Tobia is a Formula 1 journalist at GPblog with experience at international circuits. Since 2022, he has covered Grands Prix across Europe, delivering reliable coverage and insights from the paddock.
Pierre Gasly hopes to convert his impressive qualifying result into an equally strong finish in today's Italian Grand Prix at Monza, although he is aware that keeping his rivals behind will be a difficult task.
Yesterday in qualifying, the Frenchman produced a result that few could have imagined even in the most optimistic scenario, claiming a stunning pole position against all odds and putting himself in an excellent position for today's race.
Speaking during the traditional pre-race drivers' parade, Gasly expressed his delight at Alpine's performance in qualifying and his excitement at starting the race from pole position. The Frenchman admitted he does not know how the Grand Prix will unfold but stressed that the team is well prepared and ready to give everything in the battles ahead.
"I'm extremely happy. It's incredible since yesterday. We had a mega qualifying, we had a mega car, and very excited for the race starting in first place and very excited for the battles out there. I don't know how the race is going to go, but we're well prepared and definitely going to give our best shot here."
Photo: Race Pictures
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Asked whether he expected to have the pace to fight for pole position, Gasly admitted that he did not expect such a result and described it as a very positive surprise for the entire team.
"Absolutely not, but it's a very good surprise and I'm just extremely happy for the team. We're all working really hard to improve race by race and all the guys got rewarded for their hard work. So I felt very good in the car. I think overall we're making good steps. Definitely, F1 is so much more exciting when you're starting at the front. So I'm looking forward to this afternoon."
Finally, Gasly reflected on the prospect of starting from pole position for the first time in Formula 1, admitting he is relishing the opportunity. The Frenchman expects a race full of battles and hopes Alpine can deliver another positive surprise at Monza.
"I've never started on pole in F1, so it's going to be a first. Very, very much looking forward. I think it's going to be a race of a lot of battles, a lot of fighting with this energy. So we're prepared, worked hard with the guys, and hopefully we can have a very nice surprise again today."
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