Pierre Gasly: ​​“Three engines, that seems complicated”

Unlike his “rushed” beginnings in F1 last year with Toro Rosso, Pierre Gasly will approach the first Grand Prix of the season this weekend in Australia with full preparation behind him, including winter testing.

Enough to approach his first participation on the Albert Park route in Melbourne with a certain serenity. “I know what to expect, confesses the Frenchman in the Australian paddock. It’s more in managing the weekend that last year helped me. In 2017, it was more about trying to learn as quickly as possible.

This year, in reflection and approach, I see things differently. With the experience of 2017, I know what I need for qualifying and the race. »

A balance to find for the management of the engine quota

Pierre Gasly, established at Toro Rosso – Honda alongside Brendon Hartley, also admits to being confident about the capabilities of the Japanese engine. Honda did not encounter any major problems during the Catalan tests in Barcelona and was able to accumulate significant mileage.

“Toro Rosso has been very open with Honda in asking for the things absolutely necessary to perform well. Then the best compromises were found between the design of the car and the engine, and for the moment everything worked well. They wanted to optimize the location in the car as best as possible.

Honda provides development to optimize performance. In terms of reliability, there has been a marked improvement. We also expect improvements during the season. We were in Japan last weekend, and the people at Honda are working hard. They have the right approach. »

Pierre Gasly also recognizes that the Japanese bloc should show itself in the fight against the engine in particular Renault. The question of the number of elements of the Power Unit will also arise, increased to three in particular for the thermal engine.

“Three engines seems complicated, believes the Norman. This will not encourage the teams to run in free practice, because the engines will have to be saved. The more you can save your engine, the better it will be for the season. »