Alpine not happy with first day in France: "Are quite disappointed"

At Alpine, Friday's session in preparation for the French Grand Prix did not go entirely as expected. In the second free practice Fernando Alonso finished only eleventh, while teammate Esteban Ocon had to make do with an eighteenth place. There is work to be done.

In the team bosses' press conference, attended by Motorsport-Magazin.com present, Laurent Rossi tells that the team has worked hard in the last 24 hours to improve the car. This was much needed as the mood after the first day of the GP weekend was not great. "We are quite disappointed with the way our car performed yesterday with some inconsistencies between the two garages," he said.

Alpine comes with a lot of understeer and so the balance was far from perfect. In the third free practice, several things will be tried to make sure they are more competitive in qualifying. Alpine seemed to be the fourth force on the grid in recent weeks (after Ferrari, Red Bull Racing and Mercedes), but for now McLaren and AlphaTauri seem to have things better sorted out; during the French Alpine's home race...

Piastri next year F1?

It remains a recurring topic during media sessions with Alpine. Again, people asked about Oscar Piastri's future. Last year's Formula 2 champion is currently on the reserve bench, but seems to have a seat in the premier class of motorsport for 2023. However, the chances are not great that it will be with Alpine.

When Rossi was asked if he expected both Alonso and Piastri to drive in Formula 1 in 2023, the Frenchman replied: "I think so." At present, it seems most likely that Piastri will be loaned out to Williams for a season to replace the disappointing Nicholas Latifi.