Best performance of the season for Ocon: “It’s perfect, it’s what we needed”

The disappointment of Singapore was very well made up for. A week after its abandonment due to engine failure in the streets of the city-state, Esteban Ocon had a fantastic race at Suzuka, with a 4th place finish. This result is quite simply the best of the season for the Normand and for Alpine.

Starting from 5th place, the French driver took advantage of the accident Carlos Sainz in the first round to move up one position. “We couldn’t see absolutely anything! Even during the formation lap, we were blind, detailed Esteban Ocon at the microphone of Canal + after the Japanese Grand Prix. The first round was very dangerous. We couldn't even see the crane that was on the runway. It was the right decision to stop, that’s clear. When we left [after the red flag], it was better and it was good to ride. I think the FIA ​​made the right decision. »

“We wouldn't have been able to hold off the Mercedes if it had been a whole race” believes Ocon

After the flying start, Esteban Ocon spent almost 40 minutes defending his 4th place against Lewis Hamilton, under the rain. A rough but always respectful defense between the two drivers. Despite a small deficit in traction, the Frenchman was able to maintain his position thanks to good placements on the track and also thanks to the top speed of theAlpine. “It was a very good race and a very good weekend. To contain the Mercedes behind, we wouldn't have been able to do it if it had been a whole race. I'm super happy I did it, super happy with the result. We scored quite a few points today. It's perfect, it's what we needed. »

With this 4th place and these 12 new points recorded, combined with the 6 units gleaned by Fernando Alonso, Alpine returns to 4th place in the constructor's championship ahead of McLaren. Enough to completely erase the massacre of the Singapore Grand Prix. Esteban Ocon also congratulated Max Verstappen, who became a double world champion at the end of the Japanese race. " Congratulations to him. I think he was at the top of his game this year. It was really fast. For me, when he starts last, comes back and wins, these are exceptional races. »

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