Pierre Gasly confirms his good momentum in Japan, without giving in to euphoria despite another Q3 qualification.
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On the Suzuka circuit, Pierre Gasly once again shone in qualifying by securing a solid seventh place on the grid. A result all the more satisfying as the weekend had started poorly for the Alpine driver.
From the first practice sessions, the Frenchman had expressed difficulties on this notoriously demanding track, particularly in the fast sequences where his A526 seemed to lack efficiency. However, as the sessions progressed, the team was able to react and adjust the settings to reverse the trend.
“I’m really happy because yesterday was very difficult, we expected to have difficulties in these fast corners, he explains. We focused on ourselves to progress session after session and it worked, the car was much better, less understeer and I managed to do some very good laps.”
An Alpine in constant progress
This result validates the efforts made by Alpine throughout the weekend. By progressively improving the balance of the car, Gasly was able to further exploit its potential, especially during the decisive phases in qualifying.
The reduction in understeer played a key role in this progression, allowing the Frenchman to attack more confidently in the fast sections of the Japanese circuit. This rise in performance gives him a second consecutive Q3 appearance, proof of a certain regained consistency.
Despite this encouraging performance, Gasly refuses to get carried away. The driver remains clear-headed about the current hierarchy and the limits of his team against the top teams on the grid.
“We’re going to stay happy with our seventh place, we’re not going to get carried away, the Ferraris have shown they are well ahead.”
However, he highlights the progress made in terms of the gap with the top teams, especially compared to previous races.
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“But we can be pleased with the gap, there were three tenths with the McLarens in China, we have a tenth and a half here with Lewis. The fight will be with the Red Bull and the Audi which seems to be working well.”
With a favorable position on the grid, Gasly can hope to play an interesting role in the race, especially against direct competitors like Red Bull or Audi. Consistency and strategic management could make the difference on a circuit where overtaking remains complex.
Colapinto struggling on his side
In the other Alpine, Franco Colapinto had a much more complicated session. Eliminated in Q2, he will start only from 15e position on the grid.
“It was difficult, I didn’t have any pace this weekend, and I wasn’t in the right window in Q2, it punished me.”
While he showed encouraging signs in Q1, the Argentine failed to confirm afterwards: “It was better in Q1 but I need to understand why it wasn’t as good.”
This contrast between the two drivers illustrates the challenges Alpine is facing. While Gasly manages to get the best out of his car, gray areas still remain, particularly in terms of consistency and overall understanding.
At Suzuka, Alpine nevertheless leaves with reasons for satisfaction. But to take a step forward, the team will have to continue to refine its settings and reduce the gap with the best teams on the grid.
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