Esteban Ocon (FRA/Alpine): «I think we’ve made a very good +step+ (progress) in understanding here (in Bahrain, editor’s note). And I had a very good day yesterday (Friday) so I’m happy to finish winter testing with that. We found a car that was quite easy to drive with good +balance+ (balance). We didn’t have to change a lot, so we continued our understanding of the tires, how to adjust these suspensions which are stiff now. It gives us a good base. (…) We haven’t had any problems with the engine, things are going well so far. It is clear that we have a brand new concept but no worries. Little things to settle, of course, that we continue to do but nothing alarming. (on the hierarchy) I couldn’t answer. I think it’s going to be tight, everyone seems to be in 3/10ths lately. I think Ferrari will be ahead of everyone, probably…»
Pierre Gasly (FRA / AlphaTauri): «We did most of our testing. Things went off without a hitch for us here (in Bahrain) but there is still a lot to explore and discover about these cars. It’s super complex and the conditions aren’t easy here. We are ready but we still have a lot of work to do. We are not where we would like but we are in a correct position all the same. There is still a lot to analyze before the first race next week.»
