Okon: The car has become faster compared to the tests

Alpine drivers Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon set seventh and eleventh fastest times in the second practice session of the Bahrain Grand Prix. The team is satisfied with the results of the session and is counting on effective qualifying.

Pierre Gasley (7th): “It’s nice to wrestle again and get going during Friday practice. During testing we had more time to study the car and make adjustments, and today we were reminded how quickly things change and how important it is to be very clear during the sessions.

I’m happy with how we did today. The team worked through an extensive program and was able to get a good idea of ​​the necessary car settings for the remaining days of the weekend.

I must say that I felt much more comfortable during the second practice. The car is running well and we can do better this weekend. I’m looking forward to qualifying.”

Esteban Ocon (11th): “After a tough pre-season test I am satisfied with how the first Friday practice went. It’s great to be back on the track as part of the race weekend.

Today we have seen the car gain speed compared to testing and have a clearer picture of the areas we still need to work on.

The situation is developing in the right direction and in the evening we will discuss how best to prepare for the first qualifying of the season. We are going to achieve more and I feel ready.”

Pat Fry, chief engineer: “We are quite happy with the first Friday practice of the season. Our main goal was to continue studying the car in the representative conditions we will see over the remaining days of the weekend.

The first session was difficult due to the heat, but I’m happy with the improvements we made in the second session, when the temperature was noticeably cooler. However, there is still a lot of hard work ahead, but we will certainly achieve more.

The updates worked as expected, so I am grateful to the whole team for the hard work over the past few weeks in preparation for the first race.”