Alpine has a smile before his national Grand Prix

The French team is playing at home for the first time under its new name. On the Paul Ricard track, hopes are high before entering the seventh round of the championship.

Published on 15/06/2021 à 16:11

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Alpine has a smile before his national Grand Prix

Esteban Ocon will ride for the second time at Paul Ricard. ©Alpine F1.

A home race always has a special flavor. For Alpine it's a great first this weekend at Le Castellet and for Esteban Ocon reunion.

After abandoning Baku due to a loss of power, the Norman hopes to bounce back in the south of France: “ It's been a long time since I last raced in France and I'm looking forward to it. In 2019, I did not participate in the Grand Prix and it did not take place the following year. It gives me extra motivation and energy before starting the weekend »

It's only natural that we'd check in with @OconEsteban ahead of his home race. We can't wait to get back to France pic.twitter.com/60hmWpOKgc

— Alpine F1 Team (@AlpineF1Team) June 15, 2021

His teammate, Fernando Alonso, with a 6th place in Azerbaijan, is also ambitious before attacking this French weekend: “ I have always loved riding in France. I was able to achieve good results in F1 and in the other categories. The Paul Ricard circuit is a track that I don't know very well. It will be different from Monaco and Baku, hoping there will be a show for the fans »

Marcin Budkowski, executive director of the A fléché team, wants to be more cautious as the Var round approaches: “ A home run is always special. It's a pleasure to represent Alpine on French soil, especially in a beautiful region. There will be lots of fans, VIPs and band members Renault. This adds extra pressure but we will concentrate on what we have to do, as we do in every race »

The National Grand Prix is always a special moment in a season. Alpine will discover this experience on Friday with the first day of free practice before the most important deadlines of the weekend.