Anger at Alpine : “People want to talk and that’s completely normal” 

While the sports results do not really make noise, the anger of the employees ofAlpine, and in particular those of Viruses-Châtillon, she makes herself felt. While the French team is about to abandon its engine program to become a client of Mercedes, the members of the Essonne factory have no intention of standing idly by. 

This weekend some of them have planned to carry out an operation in the stands of Monza to publicly express their opinion. About a hundred employees are expected on the Lombard track on the first day where peaceful banners will be brandished. Two stands have been specifically chosen, the N4 and N24, located on the main straight. 

« Each group will display a banner with a clear and non-aggressive message, pleading the cause of maintaining a French engine in F1, all will be wearing a white t-shirt with logo Alpine, #ViryOnTrack message and black armband on the arm ", we read in the press release sent by the Viry CSE. 

Gasly and Ocon speak out 

In the paddock, the main actors ofAlpine, starting with the pilots, were inevitably questioned on the subject. In turn in front of the press, Pierre Gasly et Esteban Ocon took the floor, with two speeches that were not really similar. 

« The way I see it is that I have absolutely no power or control over it., admitted the first, not wishing to dwell on the matter. It’s about the team and the management. From that point of view, I’m focused on my racing, and the best I can do for each employee is to perform as well as possible on the track, to reward them for all their hard work. That’s my role in the team and that’s what I’m going to focus on. (...) I understand all sides. It's not that easy to talk about it. I can't do anything about it. I hope everyone comes out of this with a good option. » 

Assured of no longer being part of the adventure Alpine At the end of the season, Esteban Ocon appeared more liberated. While he does not say he is able to control the situation between Alpine and his employees from Viry-Châtillon, the future pilot Haas includes the reaction and especially the action of those who defend the project of a French engine in F1. 

« This decision does not concern me or my piloting.he recalls. I am trying to do my best for Viry and Enstone. I have been here for five years now and I am trying to bring the best results. From what I have heard, these are peaceful demonstrations. People want to talk and that is quite normal. I hope that there will be discussions between the parties concerned.. » Anxious to see the situation improve quickly, Esteban Ocon remains aware that he will not be able to intervene, having to concentrate only on his part of the work. which is to drive and try to get the car as high as possible. » Another complicated subject at the moment given the sporting performances of the Blues.

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