After the false start in Bahrain, Ocon wants to launch his season in Jeddah

Turn the page and move forward: Esteban Ocon arrives in Jeddah with new ambitions for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. The Frenchman wants to recover after the catastrophic race experienced on the Sakhir circuit. A retirement after three successive penalties, due to avoidable errors on the part of the Norman and his team.

The pilot Alpine quickly returned to his events at a press conference in Jeddah. “We admit our mistakes in Bahrain. We were clearly wrong, and since misfortune never comes alone... Usually we are pretty good operationally but this time we were not. I had a meeting with the FIA, just to understand what happened [relative to the start of the Bahrain GP]. It's clearer now and we need to move on. »

“We were pretty strong in Jeddah” underlines Ocon

Two weeks later, Esteban Ocon is counting on the Saudi round to return to the points zone. Fourth in 2021, sixth in 2022: the Frenchman knows he is comfortable on the Jeddah Corniche circuit and is logically aiming for Q3 on Saturday. The true position of theAlpine A523 in the hierarchy still remains unclear, but the Norman remains confident.

“That’s definitely our goal. [to go to Q3 on each Grand Prix]. We did it in Bahrain, although it wasn't our best circuit, confided the pilot Alpine. Last year, it was pretty much the same: we also qualified 9th there [in Bahrain], while here [in Jeddah], we qualified 5th. Recently we have been pretty strong on this track. It's a circuit where I enjoy racing, I hope we can repeat this performance this weekend. »

To stay in touch in the fight for 4th place manufacturer, Esteban Ocon and Alpine will have to show a better face this weekend in Jeddah. On the track, but also in the stands… 

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