Barcelona, ​​the “justice of the peace” for Ocon and Alpine

The Barcelona meeting is not generally the one that arouses the most enthusiasm in the paddock of Formula 1, as drivers are used to driving ad nauseam on the Montmeló route (Spain). 

This season, however, the situation is slightly different since the teams have not yet had the opportunity to come and run on the Barcelona-Catalunya circuit, the traditional winter tests having taken place in Bahrain. 

The Catalan track, which offers a great variety of turns, nevertheless remains a reference for benchmarking yourself against the competition. After a complicated start to the season for Alpine, the French team has bounced back well and is coming off a double points finish in Portugal, Or with finishing 7th, ahead of his teammate Fernando Alonso in 8rd position. 

« Here it will be the judge to know if we can keep our level of performance all year round and continue in the direction we have taken since Portimão, admitted Esteban Ocon this Thursday in the mixed zone of Barcelona. If we can do that, it will be a good season. Now we also have to remember that it was a complicated weekend here last year. Be careful ». 

In Portugal, the rivals ofAlpine suggested that the A521 made the difference in slow corners. A theory to which the Norman only partially adheres. 

« There were not only slow corners in Portimão but it is true that we are more competitive in these sectors compared to fast curves or negotiated at average speed, added Ocon. The car was fine just about everywhere. 

She was very well balanced, consistent. We could build confidence with a stable car on entry and mid-corner. We managed to stabilize the car and have good grip on the rear axle. I was able to push it in qualifying and it worked ». 

Another new feature for 2021 in Barcelona: turn 10, whose profile has been changed to make it more of a curve than a real braking point. Ocon first got his bearings in the simulator Alpine last Tuesday, before going to judge on evidence during the traditional reconnaissance tour on foot this Thursday.

« It's good to change a little, he admitted. We all know the circuit by heart so anything new is welcome. The turn is a little faster, we brake less hard, we maintain a little more speed. But the times should not move too much because we cover more distance ». 

Ocon was not sure that the spectacle on the track would come out a winner but he admits that the new profile of turn 10 could give rise to some great fights at the exit of the curve until turn 12.