Alpine, consolidate its 4th place against McLaren in Hungary

Behind the leading trio Red Bull-Ferrari-Mercedes, the battle for 4^e place in the Manufacturers' championship is driving the 2022 season. Two teams are particularly involved in this fight: Alpine et McLaren, the best of the rest.

Arriving at the French Grand Prix, the two structures were tied on points, 81 on each side. But at the end of the meeting at Castellet this parity disappeared. Fernando Alonso et Esteban Ocon have in fact allowed the Blues to take a 4-point lead over the Orange with just one round remaining before the break. So as we approach the last Grand Prix before the break, Alpine has no intention of giving in to McLaren before going on vacation.

« I feel good, and it will certainly be emotional to return to Budapest, says Esteban Ocon. All the memories from last year are already flooding back. But that was last year, and we need to be fully focused as a team to have another strong weekend.

It will be important to approach the break with the feeling of having consolidated this fourth place in the Manufacturers' championship. We know it will be difficult, but we have the team and the tools to do it. We are going to give one last push before a well-deserved break for the team, who have worked very hard all year."

To achieve this, Alpine will be able to rely in particular on a Fernando Alonso in full swing. Unlucky at the start of the year, the double world champion has reversed the trend recently and took a 7 in France^e Ranked Grand Prix in the points. Esteban Ocon also continues to perform well and his victory in Hungary last year could stand him in good stead in helping his team keep McLare at bay for at least another 4 weeks.

ALSO READ > The 3 challenges of the Hungarian Grand Prix