Oakes: This race will be a special event for Jack Duane.

      Alpine F1 has arrived at Melbourne's Albert Park, where the first stage of the 2025 season will take place. For Oliver Oakes, this is also the first Australian Grand Prix where he will work as the head of the Renault factory team, and Jack Duane is preparing for his debut full season in Formula 1, especially since it all starts with his home race.

      And only Pierre Gasly has quite a lot of experience playing on this city track, although he managed to earn points on it only once, however, that was three years ago, and then he played for another team.

      Oliver Oakes, team principal: "The weeks of preparation are over, and now we have the first stage of the season ahead of us. When the races start, it's always a good time, because all the teams and all the drivers will show what they are capable of, and we will get a real idea of what level we are at.

      We did a good job, the Bahrain tests were productive, and I know that Pierre and Jack are more than ready to get out there and do what they need to do on the track. It's Jack's home race, so it's going to be a special event for him, there's no doubt about that.

      As always, as the weekend progresses, we intend to move forward gradually, step by step, and then we will see what results we can achieve on Sunday. I am very proud of the efforts that everyone in our team has made, and now this work needs to continue.

      We have to stay motivated throughout the long 24-race season because the stakes are very high."

      Pierre Gasly: "I am very happy that the season is starting, already my third in this team. Now I know our team very well and I feel that we are gaining momentum, because a lot of positive changes are taking place. Everyone is in a fighting mood, and I want to get to work on the track as soon as possible to understand what level we are at.

      The start of the season in Melbourne is always a kind of test, because after a long journey, we have to overcome the effects of jet lag. At the same time, the Australian stage is a glorious event and especially important for Jack, because this is his home race.,

      Albert Park is a unique urban highway, uneven and difficult. In addition, the first races of the season always follow an unpredictable scenario, because all the tracks are very different from each other. The competition in the middle of the peloton promises to be very intense, and stability will be a key factor in success.

      We didn't start the season in the best shape last year, but we were able to turn things around, and it made a strong impression. I've never seen a team achieve such changes during a season before. In the long term, we want to join the leadership group. It takes time, but I really believe that we are moving in the right direction."

      Jack Duane: "I'm looking forward to the start of the season, and since everything is happening in Australia, in my homeland, it creates a special mood. Dreams are coming true, because my first full season in Formula 1 will begin at Albert Park, and I foresee that I will receive incredibly warm support from the fans.

      I will enjoy every moment of the weekend, because I have worked hard for this opportunity for a long time, and now together with the team we need to make sure that I can maximize the potential of the car.

      Albert Park is a challenging track, unique in that it combines the features of a city ring and a stationary racetrack. The asphalt surface can be slippery, and the key point of our approach is to find the right rhythm.

      It's always important to start the season with confidence, and I hope we can put everything together and make a good start. It's difficult to make accurate predictions about possible results until we get started on the Melbourne track, but our goal this weekend is to optimize all aspects of the car to create the most favorable conditions for ourselves."