Small steps forward
Still without points in the Constructors’ standings after five races held, theAlpine will try to achieve its primary objective this weekend in Miami Grand Prix, in a decidedly troubled period for the French team in terms of competitiveness and results obtained. In the midst of the crisis with the A524, however, there were some small encouraging signs, especially for Esteban Ocon.
The characteristics of the Miami circuit
Not overly optimistic about the car’s progress, the Frenchman is however fresh from11th place obtained in China, one step away from the points zone and which represents the best result of the season for himself and for the team, which, according to him, is going in the right direction. Now comes Miami, a street circuit much appreciated by Ocon but which presents some pitfalls: “Miami is a place I look forward to racing – has explained – it’s a unique environment, even by Formula 1 standards, with the track winding along the perimeter streets of the Hard Rock Stadium. The organizers really know how to put on a show, and the event continues to get bigger and better every year. 2024 will be our third visit to Miami, and I love driving at this track. The circuit features a challenging mix of medium and high speed corners, particularly in the first sector, as well as long straights and traction zones. Historically it can be quite slippery off the lines, so it is It is important to be accurate and precise. Conditions are foreseen scorching heat all weekend, which they might as well influence the strategy for tires and decision making for Sprint and racing.”
New update for Gasly
An analysis of the track also provided by your teammate Pierre Gaslywho also focused on the format of the sprint racethe second consecutive this season after the one held in Shanghai: “You love me it is a unique circuit on the Formula 1 calendar and is a very special event in itself – he added – for the last two years it has been a pleasant race weekend in Formula 1 and, I must say, I really enjoy going racing there. As for the circuit, it has a lot of medium and high speed corners. Then there are some slow speed technical parts before a long straight where in the past we have seen some overtaking opportunities. The event is special, with American fans lining the entire perimeter of Hard Rock Stadium. It’s usually a big show, with lots of different activities, and I love taking part. Let’s see what this season has in store for us. It is the second consecutive Sprint weekend after China. The new format appears to be well received. The single practice session means we need to be well prepared for Sprint qualifying, and then we have two opportunities to race with points up for grabs. For Miami I will have the update of my car available, which was a brilliant effort by the team to work on and deliver the car. We saw some improvements in China, where we seemed to run better. We are getting closer to the points, but we need to do more and show more. We need to continue to work hard to understand our package and maximize what we have right now.”
