After a slow start to the 2024 Formula 1 season Alpine pulled themselves out of the basement, as a string of good performances saw the French-based outfit climb up to eighth in the F1 Constructors’ Championship standings. While they were shut out last time out in the British Grand Prix, Alpine arrived in Budapest for the Hungarian Grand Prix having scored points in four of the last five race weekends.
However, Friday’s dual practice sessions were either a “difficult” or a “challenging” star, according to Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly.
Ocon posted the 18th fastest time in Friday’s first practice session, with Gasly just ahead of him in P17. Things were not much better later in the day, as Ocon finished in P14, and Gasly a few spots behind him in P16.
“It is always nice coming back to the Hungaroring, a track I enjoy driving and a place where I will always have fond memories,” said Ocon, the winner of the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix, in the team’s post-session report. “Overall, it was a difficult Friday, with the car not quite working or behaving in the way we wanted after trying some experiments in both sessions.
“We are struggling slightly with general balance and grip on both the short and long runs,” added Ocon. “The car did feel better on high fuel, but we need to improve across the board if we are to be competitive for the rest of the weekend. We need to look into these things and try to make improvements ahead of Qualifying tomorrow.”
Gasly had a similar view of things from his side of the garage.
“It is great to be back in Hungary, although, on our side today, it has been a challenging start to the weekend,” described Gasly. “Obviously, the high temperatures here are quite tough to contend with and the car did not feel great today. There is lots for us to work on overnight in terms of car balance and set up, so of course, the simulator work back at base tonight will be important.
“We are still yet to find the car’s sweet spot at this track. There’s more to come from us and hopefully we can put our learnings into practice ahead of tomorrow and be in better shape.”
