Time for the last assessment at Alpine : “More downs than ups”

Esteban Ocon et Pierre Gasly were worthily celebrated Monday evening at the Salle Pleyel. The two French pilots of F1 were awarded a 2023 Golden Steering Wheel by the French Motorsport Federation during the annual Motorsport Trophies ceremony. The two Tricolores experienced their first season together as teammates, within the team Alpine. A disappointing and eventful campaign for A fléché, far from its initial ambitions with a sad 6th place in the Manufacturers' championship and numerous internal reshuffles.

We can be proud 🥹 🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/6o64fqDSKr

— FFSA (@FFSportAuto) December 18, 2023

This ceremony organized in Paris was the last opportunity for the two French people to make a final assessment of the 2023 season with Alpine. If the two Normans affirmed their pride in representing the Dieppe brand in Formula 1, they also spoke of the difficulties encountered during the past year while highlighting the work carried out at Enstone and Viry-Chatillon.

“It was the start of an extraordinary project with Alpine this season. There is a lot of work, a lot of progress, development throughout the year. It was a complicated season, it's always full of ups and downs and this year unfortunately, there were more downs than ups, recognized Pierre Gasly. We still had a few trophies with Esteban [Ocon], and I really hope that next year, we will be able to fight more at the front and try to look for that Marseillaise that makes us all dream. »

“If we don’t succeed, it won’t be for lack of resources”

The two representatives ofAlpine – invited to play a little blind tests improvised on the piano during the ceremony – also spoke of their long-term ambitions for the French team. “It’s the dreams that drive us. (…) We are at the head [of a team] where many people work. There are over 1000 employees between the two factories, and we cannot disappoint them on the tracks, confided Esteban Ocon. We have to push the car to its maximum capabilities. What I want is to win with this French team. We have a lot of work to do, but if we don't succeed, it won't be for lack of resources. I have every confidence that we will be able to progress and achieve what we want. »

Alpine will try to do better than its 6th place in the championship and its two podiums acquired in 2023 next year, by retaining its duo of French drivers.

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