Esteban Ocon and Fernando Alonso qualified sixth and seventh at Interlagos. Alpine is happy with the starting positions and expects two cars to score points in the sprint.
Esteban Ocon (6th): “First of all I would like to congratulate Haas and Kevin Magnussen on pole. They took a risk and their decision was justified – I’m happy for them.
As for our team, qualifying turned out to be difficult, but sixth and seventh place are a good result. The day turned out to be difficult due to the weather and the need to choose the right tires, but we did a great job.
In the sprint we get a great opportunity, because the starting position is different from normal. We have to do our best and earn valuable points in the sprint.”
Fernando Alonso (7th): “I am satisfied with the qualifying, which took place under very difficult conditions. In the first session on intermediate tires I quickly adapted to the conditions and was happy to show the first time. After the switch to slicks I was the first again – we are fast in changeable conditions.
In the final it started to rain – in such conditions those in front get the advantage. We probably missed the chance to start from a higher position, but in the sprint we will try to regain a few places. I’m sure it’s possible.”
Alan Permain, sports director: “We are happy with Esteban’s sixth place and Fernando’s seventh in qualifying. In such mixed-weather sessions, it’s hard to get everything right and strike a balance between risk and potential outcome. We took the situation in the championship into account, so we were careful when making decisions. We don’t want to risk qualifying as we have a long sprint and race weekend ahead of us in which points will be played.
The final proved to be particularly difficult – it was important at the start of the session to do a quick lap on slicks before the rain or to wait for the developments on intermediate tires. Like most, we chose to go to Soft, and we’re pleased with the result.
In the sprint we will be able to compete for points. We will do our best to be competitive at the start of Sunday’s race.”
Source: F1 News
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