Alpine F1’s first Q3 of 2024 sees Gasly and Ocon ready for a competitive start in Monaco’s thrilling race.
Alpine F1 has achieved its best qualification of the year in Monaco, with Pierre Gasly making it to Q3 for the first time in 2024, securing a remarkable 5th place in Q2.
For the Frenchman, it was ultimately the 10th fastest time in Q3, but this remains an excellent result on the streets of the Principality, setting up a strong start for the race.
“I am very happy to have reached Q3 for the first time this year today. I took a lot of risks and hit the wall one too many times, but you have to take your chances in qualifying at Monaco. In the end, I am satisfied with the result even though we could have done better. We had to work hard yesterday, and the team at the Enstone simulator did an excellent job trying some elements and suggesting changes to improve the car. We know that Monaco is a circuit full of opportunities, and we have put ourselves in a position to score points tomorrow. A long race awaits us, and we will have to prepare for different scenarios with the goal of bringing points home for the team.”
Esteban Ocon was eliminated in Q2 but managed a very good 11th fastest time. The Frenchman will start just behind his compatriot tomorrow with the second A524.
Intense Day in Monaco Leaves Mixed Feelings
“It was a very intense day in Monaco, and I have mixed feelings. On the positive side, we made good progress with the car and were genuinely in the hunt for the top ten in qualifying. We comfortably got through Q1, but I made a mistake on my best lap in Q2, locking a wheel at the first corner. This probably cost us a place in Q3. We had the pace, and I was pushing the limits to optimize what we had, which led to errors. We are starting close to the points, and Monaco always offers opportunities. We will give it our all from the start, aiming to score points for the team.”
Team Principal Bruno Famin is also pleased.
“For the team, this is our first appearance of the season in Q3, which allows us to look forward to a positive race on Sunday afternoon. Even though we are satisfied, we certainly could have done better, and it was realistic to see both our cars in Q3 given our pace throughout qualifying. Our drivers pushed hard, as we expect from them. We made progress since yesterday, and we must acknowledge the excellent work done overnight at the Enstone simulator with our reserve driver Jack Doohan to try different things and improve the setup. We will assess our strategic options for tomorrow. We will do everything necessary to secure the best possible result as a team.”
Gasly Ocon Set for Strong Monaco Start. Gasly Ocon Set for Strong Monaco Start. f1 2024 Gasly Ocon Set for Strong Monaco Start
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