Gasly: ​​“The first round risks being the key”

Credited with 25 penalty places on the starting grid for the Brazilian Grand Prix for having replaced his MGU-H twice during the day on Friday, Pierre Gasly (Toro Rosso) will start from 19th position, ahead of Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes).

Knowing that, regardless of his performance in qualifying practice, it should start from the last line, the Frenchman shifted his expectations for the race. “We knew it would be difficult to get through to Q2. With all the penalties, we decided to focus on long-run pace during free practice, with the aim of maximizing our potential. As a result, we have somewhat abandoned the qualification type settings. I hope it will pay off in the race.”, explained the Super Formula vice-champion this season.

Despite a car prepared for the Grand Prix, Pierre Gasly only finished a tenth away from making it to Q2. “But, even by taking part in the rest of the session, the team wanted to preserve the tires as best as possible for Sunday”, notes the Frenchman, and certainly would not have rolled.

Currently 6th in the Manufacturers' standings, Toro Rosso will have a lot to do to preserve its meager advantage over Haas and Renault pumped up on Brazilian soil. Only six points separate the three teams. “Haas looks quite efficient to me once again. The race will be difficult, the first lap could be the key to a good event. We will therefore have to succeed in our strategy to perfection. »

“Saturday morning the car was handling well with a full tank of gas. As long as we have an acceptable top speed, we will be able to overtake and therefore move up in the peloton. A finish in the points will be very difficult to obtain, but we will try to get as close as possible, that is our objective. »