Formula 1 | Ocon wants to learn lessons from the last GP for Monaco
Esteban Ocon approaches the Monaco Grand Prix with a new harvest of points at the Spanish Grand Prix.
Consistency has so far been the strong point of the Alpine F1 driver, who will seek to approve the streets of Monte Carlo this weekend at the wheel of his A522.
How would you sum up your Spanish Grand Prix?
It was really a great race from the start. We didn’t have the best of weekends until Sunday, but the team did a really good job on race day, the one that really matters. The car performed well, with a good pace allowing the two single-seaters to finish in the points. We came out of it well, with good comebacks from Fernando and me. Barcelona is a circuit for storing a lot of valuable data, and we can build on some of these lessons and this dynamic in Monaco. We always think we can get even more out of the car, but results like these are always positive and prove that hard work pays off.
Next stop: Monaco. What can we expect from the team on this circuit which is very different from the others?
We will see. Monaco is a special circuit with many potentials: the average speed is the lowest of the year, with tight corners, so much so that the power is not as important as elsewhere. Good stability under braking is necessary, as well as a responsive engine when exiting corners. And as we all know, the starting grid position in Monaco is crucial, so it will be important to be better than in Barcelona in this exercise. We finished ninth last year, barely in the points, but we have every intention of doing better, ensuring that we have a smoother weekend from start to finish.
Is it still the crown jewel of F1?
I think so. Monaco such a rich history. It’s such an iconic place. It’s one of those races you dream of winning when you’re young, and every time you go there you feel something special. The atmosphere there is great and we will benefit from good support from the French! I know that the whole team is eager to hit the streets of Monaco and give their best, as always.