26/10/2023
BWT Alpine F1 Team previews Round 20 of the 2023 FIA Formula 1 World Championship, the Mexico City Grand Prix.
Drivers Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly offer their thoughts ahead of the Mexico City Grand Prix where Reserve Driver Jack Doohan will take driving duties in the A523 in Free Practice 1.
Esteban Ocon: "This race has been very popular since returning to the calendar a few years ago. The fans here are awesome and the event and atmosphere is always pretty crazy and cool to experience. One of my favourite parts is driving through the packed stadium section, it’s always pretty surreal and it never gets old. I enjoy coming to Mexico City in general, it is a beautiful country and you can really feel the ‘fiesta’ vibes as soon as you arrive in town. The track is nice to drive and the high altitude of Mexico City creates a completely different feeling to the car unlike any other we experience on the calendar. The air is very thin which can change how the car handles with a lot less grip and the race is more physically demanding. We are ready for the challenge and hope to have a strong one."
Pierre Gasly: "The Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez is an interesting track and it’s a very unique challenge with the high altitude. We run high downforce wings but the car still feels light with the conditions. I’m handing over to Jack [Doohan] for Free Practice 1 and I’m looking forward to seeing his contribution to the race weekend as he will run some important test items during his stint in the car. I aim to be dialled in from Free Practice 2 and getting on it and adapting to the conditions. We need another operationally strong weekend – like in Austin – and I’m feeling ready for the challenge. It’s a long and very tough race in Mexico City but my mind is set on another positive weekend where I aim to continue the points-scoring run."