A double entry into the reassuring points for Alpine

Team Alpine increases in power. With ten points scored in Portimao (Portugal), the French team records its best collective result at the start of the 2021 season and is overflowing Alpha Tauri in the Manufacturers' ranking (5th).

Above all, it is the racing pace displayed by Esteban Ocon et Fernando Alonso which satisfied Marcin Budkowski, Executive Director. “We were fighting with Ferrari et McLaren and that's where we want to be. Formula 1 is more fun when you race near the front, says the Pole.

“Who’s next?” » @alo_oficial didn't hold anything back on Sunday afternoon #PortugueseGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/8jOD13uqYv

— Formula 1 (@F1) May 2, 2021

Today's race was well managed from start to finish. Our strategy was inspired, both drivers managed their first stint well before attacking with the hard tires in the second to gain places and have fun. We are on a good trajectory thanks to the hard work of the track team,enstone and Viry. However, we still need to find more pace for the next races, starting with Barcelona. »

Starting 13th, Fernando Alonso negotiated his first Portuguese Grand Prix with a knife between his teeth in order to move up to eighth place. “It was a good weekend overall. The car performed well and we took a big step forward by battling with Ferrari and McLaren in the race, a very different situation to what we had in Bahrain and Imola. It was the first time I felt comfortable to attack hard », positive the double world champion.

Always love a good overtake #PortugueseGP pic.twitter.com/mgmwiRAOeJ

— Alpine F1 Team (@AlpineF1Team) May 2, 2021

However, one area of ​​progress lies in qualifications. “I think it could have been even better if we had started higher on the grid. Saturday's performances will be key to the next two races in Barcelona and Monaco. So I must focus on maximizing my pace over a lap from next week. »

As for Esteban Ocon, he distinguished himself by an offensive start among the Ferraris, then by a regularity in his rhythm, to finish seventh. “I think we reached our maximum today. Placing both cars in the points demonstrates our progress and our good weekend overall. Everyone on the team has contributed to this progression and fighting with the Ferraris and McLarens shows that our car improvede. The overtaking was very pleasant! We want to continue this momentum and score more points.”

Find it in AUTO issue 2310hebdo, on sale Monday evening digitally and Wednesday on newsstands, analysis of F1 in Portugal by our special correspondent.