Alpine shared after Imola: “There was potentially more at stake”

Left empty-handed from Bahrain, the Alpine found a slight smile under the clouds of Imola (Italy). Despite an uninspired choice of tires at the start with the “Full Wet”, Esteban Ocon recovered to finish in ninth place, the same place he occupied after qualifying.

“It was a tricky race in difficult conditions, explained the Norman. There was no shortage of opportunities and we managed to score a point (two after post-race penalties. Editor’s note), which is a good result and a great reward for the hard work put in by the team. »

What a crazy race this was, very happy to score the first point of the season for @AlpineF1Team ! # EO31 pic.twitter.com/HmHJ8Xo1Eq

- Esteban Ocon (@OconEsteban) April 18, 2021

The Frenchman recognizes that“There was potentially more at stake.” on this second meeting of the 2021 season. “It was a long, physical and fast-paced Grand Prix until the finish after the second start. I had some fun battles, especially with Fernando. We are now looking forward to the next race weekend. »

His teammate Fernando Alonso got a big scare from the installation lap towards the grid. Sliding into the wall of tires, the Spaniard was able to change wings before the start and then behaved wisely, apart from a spin following the collision Bottas-Russell.

Starting 15th, he finished 10th. “It was tricky today with several different conditions since we started on a wet track before finishing in the dry. I learned a lot by riding in these conditions again. You don't have time to prepare Formula 1 and it's far from simple with only a day and a half of testing.

Overall, I would say this race was worth four in terms of experience. I think the car was better this weekend. It's positive, but it remains extremely tight between several teams. We will try our luck again in Portugal. »

Find in issue 2308 of AUTOhebdo, on sale Monday evening digitally and Wednesday on newsstands, the analysis of F1 at Imola by our F1 journalists.