Guanyu Zhou was expected at the turn in Bahrain a week ago, for his first Grand Prix in Formula 1. A curiosity often accompanied by a sarcastic connotation for his detractors, who believe that he does not owe his place in the queen of competitions cars only because of his Chinese nationality, and the lucrative sponsors who support him.
Moreover, Alfa Romeo, who hired him, had not tried to hide that the financial windfall accompanying the pilot had weighed in the decision to recruit him.
The main interested party was well aware that he had to demonstrate the legitimacy of his presence in the paddock: “
I believe that after signing my contract, for some reason, people already had an opinion on me and my place in Formula 1. But in my mind, I always did everything to deserve my driving.
This season, I wanted to reach Q2 and score points so that I could silence some gossip.
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To discover
Formula 1: the calendar for the 2022 season
Formula 1: manufacturers' classification
Formula 1: drivers classification
A double objective fulfilled from the inaugural event of the season, with first a 15th place in qualifying, followed by a rise to 10th place in the race, synonymous with a point taken in the World Championship.
A very honorable performance for the only rookie on the field, even if his teammate, Valtteri Bottas, demonstrated the unexpected competitiveness of Alfa Romeo by setting the 6th fastest time in qualifying, before finishing in the same place at the end of the big price.
Guanyu Zhou stayed away from the Finn, but he gave himself a little personal pleasure by overtaking Lewis Hamilton during the race.
At a very favorable moment, when the Briton came out of the pits with tires not yet at the right temperature.
Nothing exceptional, then, but that was enough to trigger enthusiasm, a bit hysterical,
Chinese television commentators.
A moment both surreal and symbolic of the growing interest of the Middle Kingdom for the discipline, which has hosted an event in Shanghai since 2004 (even if it has been suspended since the start of the pandemic).
But to arouse a stronger passion, China had to have a driver in the race.
If possible efficient.
"
It's amazing
," said Zhou after finishing 10th.
“
I am left speechless.
I am extremely proud of the team.
This point is the reward for hard work, and it's a day I will never forget.
Everything happens to me so fast.
At one point I had the opportunity to pass Lewis Hamilton, which I did, although I knew he was having trouble with unheated tires and would probably pass me again soon.
After this successful start in Formula 1, Guanyu Zhou, 22, must now confirm, starting with this weekend in Saudi Arabia on a very fast street circuit, and therefore very different from that of Bahrain a week ago.
A complicated challenge but which, if it ended in success, would open up new perspectives for the driver and… for the discipline, which cannot be insensitive to the charm of the Chinese market.