The Way of the Cross of Vergne continues in Spain

Jean-Éric Vergne suffered a third retirement in five Grands Prix this weekend in Barcelona. Pilot's weekend Toro Rosso was a real way of the cross since the Frenchman was condemned from the back of the grid after receiving a ten-place penalty after losing a wheel during free practice. Despite JEV's efforts to climb back to 15th position, the French driver had to return to the pits permanently following an exhaust problem detected on his STR9.

Despite this series of disappointments, Jean-Éric Vergne refuses to give up and prefers to concentrate on the future. “Someone asked me if I was feeling a bit persecuted by bad luck at the moment. You might think so but it's part of the game. I always do my best as does my team and problems can always happen. I don't blame anyone for the penalty because it's the team that pays when I crash the car. »

Jean-Éric Vergne, however, had a chance to play by being the only one to start with the hard tires. But his bold strategy was not rewarded. “I was determined to have a good performance in the race. The first stint was quite difficult because I had a problem with my front left brake which blocked the wheel, but my performance was very good with the medium tires until an exhaust problem put an end to it. my race. » Despite this new twist of fate, the Toro Rosso driver is not giving up and intends to quickly put an end to these disappointments. “I still strongly believe in my chances. I pilot a F1 and I love what I do, no matter what it is! This weekend is behind me, we have the (Pirelli) test next week and Monaco (May 25) comes right after. My team and I will do everything to achieve a good result. »

Discover the analysis of the Spanish Grand Prix carried out by our special correspondents in issue 1960 of AUTOhebdo, available from tomorrow evening in digital version on all platforms, and from Wednesday on newsstands.