Alonso escapes punishment in Istanbul

Author of another nice number in qualifying on the banks of the Bosphorus where he set an excellent 6th time in Q3, Fernando Alonso was, however, the subject of an investigation by Istanbul Park stewards for an incident that occurred at the start of Q1.

As he began his very first flying lap at a time when the rain was threatening and everyone wanted to ensure a competitive time, the driver Alpine came across a double yellow flag at the first corner.

Given that it was his initial attempt, Alonso mechanically couldn't help but sign a best personal sector, which automatically triggered a notification to the stewards.

The latter, however, quickly realized that the Spaniard had taken his foot off the gas. As proof, his next lap was 3”5 faster.

Asked about the incident after the session, Alonso confirmed he was aware of the double yellow flag.

« I heard my engineer tell me he had a double yellow flag, reported the double world champion. I also saw it in Turn 1 and you have an instant message on your dashboard anyway.

So I took my foot off but since it was the very first flying lap, I still set a timeo”.

Beyond this mishap, Alonso felt he had experienced “ probably his best qualifying session of the season ».

« We are 4-5/10th ahead of a McLaren, 2/10th ahead of Pérez, and 2/10th behind Verstappen, he added. These are performances that we have not managed to achieve so far this season. We can only be satisfied ».

Alonso takes advantage of the engine penalty imposed on Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes), holder of the best time in Q3, to climb to 5th position on the grid.

And when we know the talent of the Iberian at putting out lights, there are perhaps big points to be found for Alpine, even if his teammate Esteban Ocon had to settle for the 12th mark.