Alpine F1 Portuguese Grand-Prix - Rollercoaster ride 27.04.2021: PORTUGUGESE GRAND PRIX Portimao, Portugal 30 April - May 2nd 2021 The team is ready to take on the Algarve International Circuit for this weekend’s Portuguese Grand Prix. After scoring double points last time out, Racing Director Davide Brivio

PORTUGUGESE GRAND PRIX
Portimao, Portugal
30 April - May 2nd 2021




The team is ready to take on the Algarve International Circuit for this weekend’s Portuguese Grand Prix. After scoring double points last time out, Racing Director Davide Brivio looks ahead to Portimão and discusses the team’s plan of action.





How does the team reflect on Imola?


It was a challenging weekend, especially the race with the changing weather conditions just before the start. It was the same for everyone with the strategy suddenly changing and the entire team having to adapt. We were happy to score points, even if we would always like to score more. Esteban did a good job in getting the car into Q3, which was important for him after missing out in Bahrain.


For Fernando, he missed something in qualifying, but he is working very hard on his Formula 1 return. It was good to go through many different situations in the race with the wet conditions, dry conditions, safety cars and the red flag restart. We can take benefits from this and what we learnt during the weekend.



Did the upgrades to the A521 work as expected?


The upgrades we brought to Imola on the car worked as we projected. They are important, intermediate steps. We’ll continue developing and try to take the benefit from the next few races on this.




What is Portimão like as a circuit from your perspective?


I think it’s quite a unique circuit and there’s a reason why everyone calls it a rollercoaster! It’s quite up and down throughout, which makes it very special. The weather is likely to be different to what we had there last October, so that’s something we’ll keep an eye on.



The track surface might have some improvements with the higher air temperature and better, overall grip levels, and that will be interesting to find out.


It’s a new circuit for Fernando to learn, while for Esteban, he’ll aim to carry on his experience from last year. We’re looking at trying to improve our performance from Imola and also improve our performance from last year at this track.




How much are you looking forward to seeing Formula 1 cars there?


Normally all drivers like this type of track. There aren’t many places which are so up and down and also fast. It’s enjoyable for people watching too, so hopefully it’s a good show.


The first two races this season have been exciting for different reasons and, this layout can offer another interesting race. As a team, we have to learn from Imola and be ready to take the opportunities when they come.


 

Tyres:

Hard, C1 (White)
Esteban – 2
Fernando - 2

Medium, C2 (Yellow)
Esteban – 3
Fernando - 3

Soft, C3 (Red)
Esteban – 8
Fernando – 8




Drivers in Portugal

Esteban Ocon

Starts - 1
Points - 4
Average Points – 4
Fastest Qualifying – 1:17.614 (2020)
Fastest Lap – 1:20.859 (2020)
Best Finish – 8th (2020)
Best Grid Position – 11th (2020)

Fernando Alonso

Starts - 0
Points – 0
Average Points – 0
Fastest Qualifying – N/A
Fastest Lap – N/A
Best Finish – N/A
Best Grid Position – N/A


Renault-powered cars in Portugal

Starts - 49
Wins - 6
Podiums - 13
Pole Positions - 7
Fastest Laps - 7
Total points - 122
 


Last season’s team result

Ricciardo
Grid – 10th
Race – 9th

Ocon
Grid – 11th
Race – 8th



- Renault Sport also photos