Formula 1 has made it down under for the first time since 2019, after the infamous cancellation of the 2020 Australian GP due to the then starting COVID-19 pandemic.

Because it’s the first proper time racing in Melbourne in three years, not only fans but the drivers and teams are hoping for best results possible. After pretty good two races for Alpine, where Ocon finished 7th and 6th, and 9th and a DNF for Alonso, the team believes they are capable of more than what the standings currently show. 

Recently, in a Q&A session with Alpine, Fernando Alonso reflected on the past two races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. In regards to that, he said: “We deserve to be much higher in the standings after two races. Our car has been good and the performance has also been good over the weekends.

“Last weekend was a disappointment as we looked comfortable and set for sixth position until we had our retirement. It was frustrating but we can be pleased with our overall pace so far.” 

He added: “Sundays is where the points are scored so we just need to make sure we score points then. 

“The whole team is working hard to make sure we keep on top of our development and we have a few development items planned for the early part of the season.” 

In regards to his start of the 2022 season, Ocon said: “For sure it has been a very positive start for me. The more I drive the new car, the more I understand it and I think as a team we are moving in the right direction. We are showing we are competitive early on and that’s a good sign for everyone. 

“It’s a testament to the hard work from all the men and women at the factories over the winter and I hope we can keep going and improving.” 

With the changes in the track layout of the Australian GP done during the pandemic, the drivers will have to figure out how to adjust to it for the first time. In regards to their approach to this weekend, the drivers are looking forward to exploring the possibilities of the new Albert Park layout. As said by Ocon: ”Albert Park has always been an enjoyable track to drive and this year the track layout changes are actually pretty significant, which adds some excitement.

“For example, turn 9/10 has been removed and turn 6/7 changes look small, but are substantial for cornering speeds. These types of changes will mean the lap times should be several seconds faster this year, compared to the last time we completed a lap at that track. 

“With these changes and the new generation of cars, it should make for an exciting race and some good battles on track. We are excited and can’t wait to get our first taste of it in real life on Friday morning.”

Fernando Alonso seemed pleased to go back to Melbourne, as he said: “Yes, it’s always fun racing in Melbourne. It’s been a while, but we are all happy to be back. It usually acts as the first race of the season, so it’ll be interesting to see if the weather is any different to what we have previously experienced in Melbourne. 

“I like the track and whilst it’s quite difficult to overtake the changes have been made to encourage this, so we’ll see how it all plays out. I think it’s clear we won’t see the same level of overtakes as we witnessed in Bahrain and Saudi, but with these news cars it seems easier to follow, so in theory it should be easier to try overtakes here than it was in the past.”