AlphaTauri details the reason for Pierre Gasly's retirement at Imola

After a brilliant qualification, Pierre Gasly could harbor real hopes of aiming for at least the top 5 in Imola, for the home race ofAlpha Tauri This year.

Overwhelmed by Daniel Ricciardo (Renault) at the start of the race, the Frenchman was easily following the pace of the Australian's R.S.20, when his stand called him back for a major problem and a forced retirement. A real disappointment for the winner of Monza, the mechanics having already acted up before departure, with a leak and a loss of water pressure noted.

Despite repairs by the mechanics of the Faenza team, the problem arose again, forcing the Norman to retire.

" Unfortunately, a radiator problem ended his race, describes Franz Tost, Team Principal of AlphaTauri. It's a shame because I'm sure he could have had a very good result today. »

“The whole weekend went very well, it was the best practice and qualifying we had and the car was very strong at the start, continues Gasly.

It's never nice to give up, but it's particularly difficult here in Imola for our home race, as we knew there was a potential top-five result on the table. »

AlphaTauri was able to console itself with the excellent performance of Daniil Kvyat, 4th under the checkerboard, and who was able to benefit from the good choice of his team when the safety car came into action on the 55th lap.

“We decided to bring him in for the soft tires, which was a good decision because it allowed Daniil to overtake Pérez and Albon just before the first corner, then Leclerc later, mentions Tost.

At this point Daniil was 4th, but unfortunately the race ended too early and it would have taken a few more laps to overtake Ricciardo. Nevertheless, fourth is their best race result this year, and the team showed a very good performance in both qualifying and the race.

I think we are well prepared for the remaining races of the season and we look forward to heading to Istanbul to continue our momentum. »

Discover the full report and analysis of the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, produced by our special correspondent in Imola, in AUTO issue 2285hebdo, available now in digital version and on kiosks (for a period of 15 days due to confinement).