After securing the ninth position in the sprint and placing twelfth in qualifying later in the day, Pierre Gasly has achieved his most notable results of the 2024 season thus far.
Alpine’s overweight A524 has led to a season of frustration so far for Gasly and Ocon. They have also been lacking pure performance and downforce. However, things seem to be improving following the Chinese GP upgrade.
Ocon finished P11 in Shanghai, with Gasly P9 in yesterday’s Sprint as Magnussen and Hamilton picked up penalties. Points are getting closer.
Following the session, Gasly explained some of the challenges encountered with the tyres and the car during Q2. He felt the car had better balance in Q1.
The 28-year-old would have been in Q3 has he repeated his Q1 time in Q2. However, he lost 0.348s instead as tyres and understeer caught him out.
“Just happier with the balance I just struggled with a lot of understeer and couldn’t get the rotation. So there were a few things—some vibrations in the brakes, which we didn’t have this morning. A few things we need to get on top of.
“I never really felt the same grip in Q2. Actually my lap in Q1 would put us P8 in Q3.
“We really need to get on top of the tyre prep, it’s not the first time. It seems very sensitive this year.
“It’s definitely a step forward. Both cars are in Q2 and getting closer to that top 10.”
Despite some issues with the car during Q2, Gasly believes things are looking up for the team.
“Even with that, we’re still getting the best grid position of the year. It definitely shows there is more potential. It’s good to see it’s improving, small step by small step, but at least in the right direction.”
Team Principal Bruno Famin agreed with Gasly’s remarks: “Qualifying was not straightforward with challenges on the behaviour of the tyres. Again, we take positives from the result and the fact the upgrades we have brought have worked as expected. We have put ourselves in a position to fight hard for points.”
