As the weekends pass, it is increasingly clear that Alpine is at the back of the grid. Their managerial changes have resulted in poor on-track performances. The first sprint weekend of the year in China, in combination with the numerous unknown variables that will arise, could provide an opening.
BRUNO FAMIN: “WE HAVE A GREAT CHALLENGE AHEAD OF US”
Alpine team principal Bruno Famin underlined the difficulties the team is experiencing, which at the same time lead to the need to find the way back that has been lost:
“The last race in Japan underlined how great the challenge we have on our hands is to improve our level of performance.
“We need to improve the car’s performance to be able to fight for higher positions. We need to raise the level in all sectors to get out of this difficult moment.”
The situation is very complicated, resulting in a lack of outright performance and – more broadly – questions about Alpine’s future. Still, the team’s focus is on the Chinese GP, as Famin himself highlighted:
“The cars are completely different compared to the 2019 specifications, so the preparation was different from the normal. It is a good track with long straights and some very long corners, which in the past have led to high tyre degradation.
“Considering that it is a Sprint event, we have less preparation, and therefore, it is essential to be ready from the beginning.”
The Alpine team principal then also underlined the need for constant work on the development program front. The team’s first steps were in Suzuka with the first upgrades and will continue in the coming weeks:
“Although it was positive to bring the first updates on the car to Suzuka, we must do more.”
As anticipated by RaceFans and then confirmed to us by the French team, Esteban Ocon will have a new floor in China. This update was initially planned for Miami. However, the team brought this new component forward to this weekend. It will then be Pierre Gasly’s time at the American GP.
ESTEBAN OCON AND PIERRE GASLY SET THEIR GOALS
Esteban Ocon has underlined the importance of progressing through upgrades: “The upgrades we brought to Suzuka were in line with our expectations. And I know that the team is working very hard at the factory to improve the performance of the car in the coming races.”
Meanwhile, the French driver is preparing for a weekend the team has prepared intensely for. Sprint weekend always demands an additional level of attention for teams. This is especially true given F1’s five-year absence from the Shanghai circuit.
“The Shanghai track has an interesting mix of low, medium and high-speed corners. Then it has a one kilometer long straight. Therefore, there is naturally a trade-off between cornering downforce and straight-line efficiency.
“Sprint weekends tend to provide different variables and open up new opportunities. The performance of the last few races has shown we are more competitive in qualifying. So we need to evaluate how we can make the most of the revised Sprint format.”
Tyre degradation, which is historically high, will also affect this weekend on the strategic front:
“The high degradation leads to contrasting strategies and some interesting battles in the last phase of the race,” highlighted the Alpine driver.
“So, as a team, we need to carefully evaluate the tyre strategy for each session and ensure we put ourselves in the best position possible for both the Sprint and the Grand Prix.”
In light of this situation, the team finds itself searching for performance. Pierre Gasly underlined the importance of capitalising on any opportunities in a Sprint weekend:
“We need to be on track from the first free practice session to increase our chances during the race weekend. Our main goal is to continue pushing as hard as we can, stay focused and motivated to catch up.”
