Esteban Ocon: “Eleventh place was the best position we could have achieved”

The pilot Alpine experienced a complicated qualifying session, but expects to ride in a race where “anything can happen”.

Published on 24/10/2021 à 11:36

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Esteban Ocon: “Eleventh place was the best position we could have achieved”

Esteban Ocon will start from eleventh place this Sunday. Photo Antonin Vincent / DPPI

Unable to reach Q3 despite aspiration aid from Fernando Alonso, Esteban Ocon will start from eleventh position on the starting grid for the United States Grand Prix. After unconvincing free practice, the Frenchman did not expect a miracle during qualifying. “I think eleventh place was the best position we could have achieved today, so overall I'm pretty happy with the effort. We were not in contention to reach Q3. We tried to get through Q2 on mediums, and we weren't too far behind.".

Also read > Complicated start for Alpine and Alonso in Austin

Quality: 🇺🇸✅

P11 // Esteban: 1:35.377
P14 // Fernando: 1:44.549#USGP pic.twitter.com/ZLZBnZJzmb

—BWT Alpine F1 Team (@AlpineF1Team) October 23, 2021

Although he has had a complicated weekend so far, the Frenchman remains optimistic for Sunday's race by emphasizing his team's strategy. “It was all teamwork today with Fernando helping me in Q2. It worked well, but it wasn't enough to advance to Q3. Anything can happen in the race and strategy will be crucial”. The United States Grand Prix will begin this Sunday evening at 21 p.m.