Getting into the points: this is the objective of the two Alpine of Fernando Alonso and Esteban Ocon, at the end of the French Grand Prix which will start this Sunday afternoon (3 p.m.).
Respectively 9th and 11th on the starting grid, far behind Max Verstappen who took pole in front of the two Mercedes, the two drivers of the French team have nothing to lose at home.
With regard to the general classification, they are indeed in their place.
The two-time Spanish world champion is 11th after six events (13 points), just ahead of his teammate (12 points).
Their best race classifications are 6th for Alonso (two weeks ago in Baku), and 7th for Ocon (Portugal).
Suited and booted.
Let's do this!
💪🇫🇷 # FrenchGP @alo_oficial pic.twitter.com/QvayJeqgqv
- Alpine F1 Team (@ AlpineF1Team) June 20, 2021
For the Normand, to have missed Q3 and therefore not to have the opportunity to fight among the best ten on the grid is a disappointment: “It's a shame, but we know that everything remains to be done tomorrow (Sunday). he declared after qualifying.
It is played on tiny margins.
It's frustrating, but the weekend is not over.
We need to think outside the box on strategy and we will give our all.
"
To read also Pierre Gasly: ​​"If I am given the right weapons, I am capable of being world champion"
For his part, “El Matador” is aware that the gap which separates him from the other contenders for the places of honor behind the untouchables Red Bull and Mercedes is not so important to fill: “Our pace seemed good and I feel we maximized during the session with a few exceptions. We are surrounded by very fast cars all with the same tires. We have to be happy with our starting position. We have to prepare for the race properly. "
It remains to be seen whether the race conditions will be conducive to a comeback of Alonso and Ocon. The rain, which arrived on the Paul-Ricard circuit around 11 am, hardly bothered the F 3 competitors who set off at the same time. The weather forecast indicates the return of the sun in the early afternoon and the track will have dried out. In a championship where the points are very expensive, it will therefore be necessary to be the most skilful.
