Esteban Ocon: We are waiting for bright battles on the track

Esteban Ocon has started the 2022 championship stronger than previous seasons of his career, and in Australia the French Alpine F1 driver plans to continue in the same vein, hoping to score points in the third race in a row†

Q: Behind two successful weekends on the circuits of the Middle East, where you have managed to earn points. Now you are in 6th place in the individual standings – how would you rate the start of the season?
Esteban Okon: Of course the start of the championship was very positive. The more miles I drive with a new car, the better I understand its characteristics and I believe the team is on the right track.

We immediately showed our competitiveness and this is a good sign for everyone as it confirms the quality of the tremendous work done on our bases during the off-season. I hope we continue to move forward and perform better and better.

There is a long season ahead and we understand that this is a marathon not a sprint, so the most important thing in 2022 is to consistently achieve high results. Last week we spent a lot of time analyzing the first two races of the season, getting ready for the Melbourne round and can expect our car to perform well this weekend when Formula 1 returns to Australia.

Q: The circuit at Albert Park is considered by many riders to be their favorite – what’s your mood these days?
Esteban Okon: It sure is great to be back here. The last time we were in Australia we had to leave this country under very unusual circumstances, and since then the world has changed in many ways.

I have always loved playing here, Melbourne always has a great atmosphere. I think that despite the distance to get here, everyone is happy to be back in Australia, in this beautiful city. I hope we can put on a good show for the passionate Australian fans.

Q: The track in Melbourne has changed a lot since the last time we raced there. What do you think of her updated configuration?
Esteban Okon: Performing at Albert Park is always fun, and these changes have only made it more interesting. In particular, the chicanes of corners 9-10 are no more, and although the 6th and 7th corners have changed little, the speed in them has clearly increased.

These kinds of changes will make us walk around a few seconds faster this year than before. Thanks to these changes and the new generation of cars, the upcoming race promises to be exciting, we are waiting for the bright battles on the track.