The Frenchman was granted Alpine’s new floor upgrade initially pencilled in for Miami, as one undertray development was fast-tracked in time for the Chinese language Grand Prix.
This new ground options adjustments to the diffuser, closely revised entrance fences, and a brand new ground edge wing that features a slot in the direction of the rear.
Though these adjustments ought to yield an uptick in efficiency, Ocon acknowledged that the general set-up of his A524 had missed the mark to interrupt into SQ2 throughout dash qualifying – and advised {that a} plethora of tweaks wanted to be made as soon as parc ferme opens once more forward of qualifying correct.
“I really feel like we did not maximise the potential of the automotive right this moment, sadly, that is in all probability the primary time this yr that that is the case,” Ocon lamented.
“I feel there was in all probability extra in it right this moment. And, with just one [practice] session, sadly we did not put all the pieces collectively.
“Some efficiency left on the facet, so it is a good factor that parc ferme opens once more so we are able to change for subsequent qualifying.
“We’ll try to race tomorrow like this early within the morning after which, after that, strive with a special set-up within the automotive and see what we get.
“We’ll change various issues – till we strive that, we’re not going to know precisely that that is the suitable factor to do, however it is likely to be value a strive.”
Pierre Gasly, Alpine A524
Photograph by: Zak Mauger / Motorsport Images
His team-mate Pierre Gasly must wait till Miami earlier than he will get his arms on the brand new ground, however he was far more sanguine about his possibilities with out the upgrades.
Gasly’s observe was derailed by an ERS situation that compelled a change to his energy unit elements, however was nonetheless proud of the stability he had and felt he had made probably the most of it throughout his run to sixteenth on Saturday’s dash grid.
“We had an issue with the ERS this morning, so principally solely managed to get solely like three laps out of the session,” stated Gasly. “And on a dash weekend we all know how essential it was to get it proper from the beginning.
“However then the blokes managed to unravel the problem for this afternoon, change the engine and managed to get the automotive out for qualifying. In order that was good and I am more than happy with the lap I put in that quali. I feel it turned out to be barely higher than we hoped.
“It is fairly tough with out the upgraded ground; it was a very good effort, and it got here tight to Q2. Nevertheless it’s fairly constructive.
“I do know I am going to get these components in Miami, and that ought to get us by way of to Q2 and get a bit additional to the factors finishes.”
