Aston Martin, battle for an important point

12th and 15th on the starting grid, the Aston Martin achieved a perfect start at the French Grand Prix. Especially on the side of Lance stroll. The Canadian was the lowest ranked of the British team at the start, but found himself in the points at the end of the first lap, taking advantage in particular of the persistent delay in lighting the Alfa Romeo as well as the clash between Esteban Ocon (Alpine) and Yuki tsunoda (Alpha Tauri) at the North chicane.

“We had a great first lap today, which allowed us to have a great race, explained the driver after the race. I almost had [Esteban] Ocon in turn 9 as well, but it was important to have such a good start. I felt that I had a good rhythm at the end of the course to possibly catch up with [Daniel] Ricciardo. We continue our trend of being more competitive on Sundays, it is a good basis to work from as we approach the summer break. »

Constant tenth throughout this 2022 French Grand Prix, Stroll saw his teammate get dangerously close on the last lap. Even to the point of coming close to contact in the final turn. A few chills must have gone around at Silverstone, but both Aston Martin were well on the finish line with an important point in their pocket. “I was struggling with my tires at the very end, explains Stroll. It was a good fight with Sebastian, but the most important thing was to get a point for the team today. »

Sebastian Vettel assures for his part that he did not really fight for this tenth place, despite a gesture of discontent in the last corner. “I was lucky to be able to pass Lance on the last lap; I was a bit faster, but we're not fighting for a point, it's the same net result for the team. It makes no difference. »

“My afternoon was frustrating, admits the German pilot. I was stuck in traffic for the entire race – but you expect that when you start in the middle of the pack. And, with the strategy, I don't think the team could have done much more. It is clear that we need more grip. In the race, things weren't too bad and we also understand the car a little better after this weekend. »

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