Gasly Secures Q3 Spot as Ocon Misses Narrowly in Thrilling Abu Dhabi Qualifying Finale
In an electrifying qualifying session under the glittering lights of Abu Dhabi's Yas Marina Circuit, BWT Alpine F1 Team's Pierre Gasly showcased his racing prowess, securing a place in Q3 for the second consecutive race. He will start the much-anticipated season finale from the tenth position on the grid. Meanwhile, his teammate Esteban Ocon narrowly missed out on the top ten, concluding his efforts in Q2, just a hair's breadth away from Q3 by a mere 0.113 seconds.
The journey to Q3 was a nail-biting affair, with both Alpine drivers scraping through the initial round, Q1. Ocon managed to clinch the fourteenth spot, while Gasly found himself just escaping elimination, landing in fifteenth place. The intensity ramped up in Q2, where Gasly's commendable lap time of 1min 24.078secs earned him a fifth-place finish, comfortably advancing him to the final round. Ocon, on the other hand, fell tantalizingly short of the top ten, with a lap time of 1min 24.391secs.
Gasly's performance in Q3 was a mix of perseverance and challenge. Despite facing difficulties, including being impeded by Oscar Piastri on the approach to Turn 5, he managed to retain the tenth position. He demonstrated remarkable adaptability, navigating the circuit on both used and new Soft tyres.
As the sun sets on the 2023 Formula 1 season, the BWT Alpine F1 Team is gearing up for a grand finale at 17:00 local time. The team is determined to conclude the year with a flourish, capitalizing on their hard-earned positions.
Reflecting on the qualifying session, Esteban Ocon acknowledged the challenges faced during the week and expressed satisfaction with the team's performance. He remains optimistic about converting the twelfth grid position into a strong finish, drawing inspiration from previous races where the team overcame greater odds.
Pierre Gasly, buoyed by his Q3 achievement, acknowledged the tight competition and the struggle to make it through Q1. His satisfaction with the Q2 lap was evident, though he recognized areas for improvement in Q3. With eyes firmly set on the final race, Gasly is committed to pushing for points, aiming to end the season on a high note.
As the F1 community awaits the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the BWT Alpine F1 Team is poised to demonstrate their skill and determination, ready to transform the challenges of the season into a memorable finale.
