The Alpine F1 Team heads into the 2023 Formula One season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix with Esteban Ocon looking to end the year on a high following a sensational drive from 16th to fourth in the Las Vegas Grand Prix last time out.
Looking ahead to the race this weekend, Ocon said:
“It’s definitely been a long and intense season for everyone and I know we are looking forward to the time off to rest and recover ahead of next year. Our full focus is now on performing well this weekend, carrying the momentum through from Las Vegas, and ending the season on a high. The Yas Marina Circuit is a track we enjoy and know well. Of course, I’ll be sitting out of FP1 this weekend as Jack [Doohan] will be in the car and I am sure he will do a great job. We are all motivated to have another positive weekend, wanting to end on a high note and give some extra boost to everyone during the winter season. We’ll keep our heads down this weekend and focus on ourselves as we aim for a smooth weekend and to end the season with more points in the bag. “
Pierre Gasly is looking forward to the end of the season, his first with Alpine after joining the Enstone-based outfit from Scuderia Alpha Tauri and speaking ahead of the race in Abu Dhabi, the Frenchman said:
It is now time for the final race of the season, which seems like it has come by in a flash. I’m definitely feeling excited for it after what has been a long season, and a busy couple of weeks with the triple header followed by Las Vegas. We’re back to a conventional track with normal timings and a standard weekend format. It’s a track we all know well and hopefully there won’t be too many surprises. The target is pretty simple. We aim to finish the season inside the points to maximise our tally for the year. After a couple of days rest and figuring out the time zones, I’m looking forward to Friday and beginning the weekend in the best possible way.”
The Alpine F1 Team has consolidated sixth place in the Constructors championship with 120 points.