Alpine reserve driver Jack Douhan will take part in the first free practice of the Canadian Grand Prix. In Montreal, the Australian replaces Esteban Ocon, but in the second training Ocon returns to the wheel and will spend all the remaining sessions of the weekend. However, Esteban loses five starting positions due to his collision with Pierre Gasly in Monaco.
Bruno Famen, Team Leader: “We like to come back to Montreal every year because the city has a special atmosphere. The track is interesting with difficult corners and closed walls. Because the race track is temporary, the surface is usually green with little grip at the start of the weekend. This year new asphalt has been laid on the track, so at the start of the weekend it is important to assess grip levels and general condition.
In Montreal you can overtake, so the racing is usually interesting. We have seen changeable weather in recent years, so it is important to be prepared for every eventuality.
In Canada we decided to give the car to a young driver for the first time this season during the first practice session. Jack Duane will replace Esteban at the wheel of the A524. Given Jack’s excellent performance in the simulator in previous races, we can count on his valuable feedback in Montreal.”
Esteban Ocon: “A lot has been said in recent days, so now I’m happy to be back on the track and behind the wheel. I am fully focused on achieving the best possible results for the team and will start doing that this weekend in Canada.
The pace in Monaco was positive, especially in qualifying, where we had the opportunity to reach the final with two cars. The team progresses gradually as the season progresses. Even though the track conditions in Montreal are different from those in Monaco, we hope to be able to demonstrate similar speeds. The combat is incredibly fierce, so it’s important to make the most of every little thing.
I enjoy coming to Montreal every year. The fans here are incredible, the track is fun to ride and the city has a festival atmosphere and a French touch! There are always a lot of fans in the stands, regardless of the weather, which is often unpredictable. Judging from the weather forecasts, something similar awaits us this weekend.
In Montreal, speed on the straights and stability of the car when braking and attacking curbs are important. In addition, there are bumps in several places on the track, so it will be interesting to see how the car behaves on the new asphalt.”
Pierre Gasly: “It felt like it took a long time, but it was great to get our first point of the season in Monaco. Our speed was much better than in previous races. We didn’t start the weekend in the best way, but by Saturday we made progress, which allowed us to reach the qualifying final. In itself this was nice because it was our first time in the final of the season, but I think we missed the opportunity because we could count on a higher place due to the speed of the car.
In the end I finished in the same position where I started: tenth. The point we earned was a reward, but we have to keep working to achieve more.
The next stop is Canada. The route is temporary, which creates additional difficulties, but it is interesting. Because the asphalt has been renewed this year, we expect a smoother surface, but grip may be lower, especially on Friday.
The last two years the qualifications in Canada took place in the rain, so we have to be prepared for all weather conditions in Montreal.
I am happy with the team’s progress in recent weeks and we must build on that with good results on track.”
Source: F1 News
I am Christopher Clyde, an experienced journalist and content writer with a passion for sports. I have been writing about Formula 1 news for the past five years and am currently employed as an author at athletistic.com, one of the top sports websites in the US.
