Pierre Gasly and Alpine achieve season-best qualifying at Las Vegas GP
In a remarkable twist of fate at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Pierre Gasly of the Alpine team secured an astonishing third place in the qualifying session, surpassing expectations and setting the stage for a thrilling race. This achievement marks Alpine's highest qualifying position this season, showcasing the team's significant progress in Formula 1's highly competitive midfield battle.
Gasly's surprise performance places him ahead of formidable competitors, including the championship leader, Max Verstappen from Red Bull, and McLaren's title hopeful, Lando Norris. The only drivers to outqualify Gasly were Mercedes' George Russell, who clinched pole position, and Carlos Sainz of Ferrari, highlighting the intense rivalry among the top drivers.
Despite the personal accolade, Gasly remained focused on the bigger picture, emphasizing Alpine's objectives in the constructors' championship. "I think we know where the target is for us. We're fighting Haas and AlphaTauri in the constructors' [championship]," Gasly stated, acknowledging the significance of his qualifying position but also recognizing the team's primary competitors.
Alpine's surge to the sixth spot in the overall standings, leapfrogging from ninth after a successful race in Brazil, showcases the team's upward trajectory and determination to excel. The close competition with Haas and RB emphasizes the tight margins defining this season's midfield contest.
For Gasly, achieving a top-three qualifying position for the first time in his career was a moment to relish, especially given the team's challenging start to the season. Reflecting on his journey from the back of the grid at the season opener in Bahrain to this latest triumph, Gasly's resilience and talent have been pivotal to Alpine's resurgence.
Alpine's team boss, Oliver Oakes, who stepped into his role in August, praised Gasly's performance and the team's development with recent car upgrades. "I think since Austin [last month] you've seen every weekend we're getting better with this upgrade. Pierre's driving well, you can see that, he's putting it all together," Oakes commented, highlighting the synergy between the driver's skill and the team's technical advancements.
As Gasly prepares to challenge from the best starting position of his season, and possibly his career, the Las Vegas Grand Prix is set to be a cornerstone event for both him and the Alpine team. Their achievements underscore the relentless pursuit of excellence and the dynamic nature of Formula 1, where fortunes can shift dramatically from one race to another.
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