Pierre Gasly and the Alpine team are in a prime position to disrupt the tight race for sixth place in the Constructors’ Championship at the Qatar Grand Prix. With Gasly starting eighth on the grid for the Sprint Race, Alpine has a golden opportunity to level the points with Haas, currently just one point ahead in the standings, ahead of Sunday’s main event.
Sprint Race Opportunity
Gasly’s performance in Sprint Qualifying was a highlight for Alpine, as the Frenchman claimed P8, finishing directly ahead of key rivals Nico Hulkenberg (Haas) in ninth and Liam Lawson (RB) in tenth. Gasly has consistently shone in final qualifying sessions this season, reaching Q3 in four of the last five attempts across all formats.
Gasly acknowledged the importance of the Sprint Race:
Pierre Gasly:
“It was an excellent qualifying; we made the best position we could have hoped for. The four teams in front are really a notch above this weekend, but we finished ahead of the Haas and the VCARB, which is critical.”
With eighth place in the Sprint Race worth one point, Gasly is determined to take advantage of his strong grid position and put Alpine on level footing with Haas heading into Sunday.
A Strategic Battle
Alpine’s fight for sixth hinges on outperforming their closest competitors. Gasly emphasized the importance of his duel with Hulkenberg and Lawson:
Gasly:
“Tomorrow, eighth place is worth a point. There’s going to be a big fight. It’s going to be very important to finish ahead of Hulkenberg and Lawson.”
Alpine’s Norman driver is confident but acknowledges the challenge posed by cooler conditions at Lusail. He admitted some struggles in these conditions during qualifying but remained optimistic about his race pace.
Constructors’ Stakes
Sitting just behind the dominant quartet of McLaren, Ferrari, Mercedes, and Red Bull, Alpine’s battle with Haas represents a crucial subplot in the 2024 season. A single point in the Sprint Race would tie the teams in the standings, raising the stakes for the Sunday Grand Prix.
Gasly’s Outlook
With the Sprint and Grand Prix offering chances to secure critical points, Gasly is focused on maximizing Alpine’s potential in Qatar:
Gasly:
“We know what’s at stake. A strong finish in both the Sprint and the race is key for us to edge past Haas in the standings. It’s going to be a tough fight, but I’m confident we can make it happen.”
Final Thoughts
Pierre Gasly’s strong qualifying position and Alpine’s strategic mindset could be pivotal in the battle for sixth place. With Gasly consistently outperforming rivals in crucial moments, the Frenchman’s drive in the Sprint could set the tone for a thrilling conclusion to the Constructors’ Championship fight.