Gasly: The team knows the weekend will be difficult

      On Friday in Monza three drivers took turns at the wheel of the Alpine. In addition to Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto, Paul Aron sat in the Argentine driver's car in the first free practice session. The team completed the planned program, but the car's pace leaves much to be desired.

      Pierre Gasly (18th): "It's always great to race in Monza, because I have many pleasant memories associated with this track. Besides, I live nearby in Milan and can sleep at home on race weekend days!

      It was a busy day, but it went according to plan. We did a large number of laps, more than 300 kilometers in a day, and gathered a lot of useful information about how the car behaves with an empty and a full tank.

      The team knows the weekend will be difficult for us. In the second practice the car sustained some minor damage when I ran wide into the Ascari chicane, but nothing too serious. Of course we're trying to extract the maximum from what we have at our disposal, so we'll see what tomorrow brings.

      I'll try to give it my all and make up a bit more time per lap. Let's see what that leads to in qualifying."

      Franco Colapinto (20th): "For me Friday was a bit unusual, since Paul took the wheel in the first session. It was great to return to the car in the second session, and especially in Monza. I know this track well from racing in the junior series and from my F1 debut last year.

      It was a tough day, but the team was ready for it. The car is difficult to drive, and we need to understand whether we can do anything about that. Qualifying is tomorrow, and we'll have the third practice to make the necessary adjustments to the car."

      Paul Aron (20th in the first session): "It was great to run the first practice in Alpine colors. I'm always happy to go out on track in a Formula 1 car, and it's especially great to do so in Monza.

      The session was intense because we had a busy program. We were able to complete it fully, which was the main task, and I was pleased with my pace.

      I have a long Friday because I'll be working on the simulator in Enstone overnight. Hopefully we'll find a solution that helps tomorrow.

      Thanks to the team for this opportunity and for another useful experience. I look forward to getting back behind the wheel in a session later in the season."