Zhou: I like the track in Baku because of its unpredictability

The Alfa Romeo team prepares for the race in Baku, fully aware that the city circuit in the center of Azerbaijan’s capital only looks simple at first glance, but in fact can hold all sorts of surprises as each lap is packed with is at risk.

Valttery Bottas: “I’m looking forward to getting behind the wheel of a racing car again, because I love the circuit in Baku. I won at this track and also went on the podium, and next weekend I also want to show a good result.

The main challenge for me and for the team is to make incremental improvements. The season is long and you can still earn a lot of points.

I tried to use the three week break to prepare myself as best as possible. The experience of sprint racing on this circuit promises to be interesting and I am happy to take on this challenge.

We analyzed several previous races and put a lot of effort into getting back to the level we were at in Bahrain. I’m sure we have what it takes to improve and fight for points again.”

Guanyu Zhou: “In Australia I got my first points of the season, which gives me extra motivation – just what I needed for the three-week break between races. But it wasn’t a holiday – we kept working hard, I worked on a team-based simulator, because we all need to improve to progress in the upcoming races.

I like the track in Baku for its unpredictability, and we also have to take into account that Saturday’s sprint adds an extra risk. I’m ready to continue on the same footing as I did in Melbourne, where I was able to race confidently and avoid problems, so I’m determined to finish in the top ten again.

The competition on track will be very tight, as in all races this year, and every tenth of a second can make a significant difference in the results, but we have a chance to perform well.