Alonso: “It will be difficult to stay fourth”

This is only the second time this season that Fernando Alonso manages to secure a place on the second row of the grid of a Grand Prix at the end of qualifying contested on the Red Bull Ring in Austria. If the Red Bulls were behind and Lewis Hamilton missed during the last session, the driver Ferrari nevertheless noted significant progress on its F14 T.

“These qualifications were not normal. We probably took advantage of it because, for example, it is not normal for Hamilton be behind us », declared the double world champion, relayed by Adam Cooper. “We should be proud of this result. The new elements brought to Canada and here seem to be working well. We felt that the car had better potential in Canada, but for some reason the track didn't suit us and we didn't have a good race. However, the positive point was that the developments made the car better. We hope to move in the right direction even if the road is still long. »

If Fernando Alonso is delighted to once again be at the front of the grid for the Austrian Grand Prix, the Spaniard still expects to experience a difficult race where he will seek to defend his position. “We must remain calm in the face of this result because we were still 1”1 from the Mercedes this morning and we now have a Mercedes a tenth in front of us and another behind. I don't think everyone exploited all the potential available to them because the conditions were a little complicated. I expect that Ricciardo (5e) and Hag (12th), who now has plenty of new tires, had a good race. It will be difficult to stay fourth. »

The start of the Austrian Grand Prix will be given tomorrow at 14 p.m. and will be followed live on AUTOhebdo.fr. Click on this link to see photos from the weekend.