"Accelerated ! Accelerated !" This lyrical flight by Julien Fébreau passed down to posterity celebrates its first candle. A year ago, Pierre Gasly achieved the resounding feat of bringing his modest Alpha Tauri to the first step of the podium at Monza. A year later, nothing has changed and will not change, since the Normand has been confirmed in the Italian team for next season. "
I am very happy to continue with Alpha Tauri for a new season in Formula 1, especially in view of the progress made since I joined the team in 2017
", commented the person on Tuesday, at the announcement of its extension.
However, this first victory in Formula 1 last September, the first of a Frenchman in the premier class for 24 years, could have legitimately made him aspire to an otherwise more prestigious team.
But neither Red Bull, from which he had been downgraded mid-season in 2019 (to Alpha Tauri) and who extended Sergio Perez alongside the untouchable Max Verstappen, nor other teams have released a seat for the current 8th in the world championship.
While social networks and some rumors evoked an interest of Toto Wolff and Mercedes, the German team chose the British nugget George Russell to share the team with the hegemonic Lewis Hamilton.
Second house
For his part, Pierre Gasly takes his pain patiently. While continuing to perform. His fourth place in Zandvoort, after a masterful Sunday, is another example. On the narrow Batavian track, the Frenchman even gave himself a nice overtake on the double world champion Fernando Alonso (Alpine). “
We can't really hope for better,” agreed the Normand after the race. I am very satisfied, the car was fast, I was able to set it up as I wanted and the team did an amazing job all weekend. Today (Sunday), we were flying!
"
This bodes well before returning to the similar track at Monza, where Gasly had shone a year ago.
On his host land: “
It's like a second home after the French Grand Prix because I live 15 kilometers from the circuit
, rejoices the regional of the stage, all the more expected at the turn.
This weekend is going to be a big novelty for me by finding a circuit where I was the last to win.
I am convinced that there will be plenty of tifosi, unlike last year when it was very strange not to find them, because they are an integral part of the environment in Monza.
It promises to be very special, it will remind me of an unforgettable moment from last season
. ”
To read also Pierre Gasly: "They recognize me more in the street"
Sprint qualifications
Headliner expected in the heart of the Temple of Speed, the Norman will have to start by achieving a good qualification, on a circuit where the session always has its share of uncertainties related to the traffic that accumulates on the track.
10th on the grid last year, Gasly had mainly benefited from unusual circumstances in the race with a restart and a penalty for Hamilton.
A subscriber to the passages in Q3, the Frenchman is one of the fastest drivers despite a modest car, which regularly places him as "
best of the rest."
”(Best of the rest, namely behind Mercedes and Red Bull) when it comes to qualifying.
At Monza, qualification is essential.
However, this year, it will no longer be enough, since as at Silverstone and Interlagos (12-14 November), it is the format of the “sprint” qualification that has been retained.
Read alsoFormula 1 tests the "sprint" qualifications
Thus, the qualifying session for the Italian GP will take place this Friday (6 p.m.) and will give rise to the starting grid for the sprint race (one third of the race) on Saturday (4.30 p.m.), which will give rise to the starting grid. departure Sunday. In Great Britain, the Norman, never as comfortable as when running after the stopwatch, had won no place on the grid (12th). “
I hope to be able to obtain a new major result here but we must keep in mind that it will be a sprint qualification,
tempers Gasly
. After Silverstone, we know what to expect but with the traffic jams in qualifying and in the race, it will take on a whole new dimension
. ”
Pierre Gasly hoisted his Alpha Tauri to fourth place in Zandvoort (Netherlands) on Sunday.
ANDREJ ISAKOVIC / AFP
One thing is certain, the 25-year-old driver, who remains on a brilliant 5th, 6th and 4th place, is aiming for nothing but the podium.
History to delight a stable of Faenza who trusts him completely and in which he does not hide to thrive.
Before going higher.
Before that, he would like to regain the podium honors already known in Baku at the beginning of June (3rd).
"
Sunday (last), I must admit that I was hoping that something happened with the top three so that I could taste this champagne from the podium again
".
It is now prosecco, especially in Italy.
But that will surely delight Gasly: he has a first birthday to celebrate this Sunday.
