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 instructed {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 in the present day, 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 in the present day. And, with just one [practice] session, sadly we did not put every thing collectively.
“Some efficiency left on the aspect, so it is a good factor that parc ferme opens once more so we will change for subsequent qualifying.
“We’ll try to race tomorrow like this early within the morning after which, after that, strive with a distinct 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 fitting factor to do, nevertheless it is perhaps price a strive.”
Pierre Gasly, Alpine A524
Photograph by: Zak Mauger / Motorsport Images
His team-mate Pierre Gasly should 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 follow was derailed by an ERS concern that compelled a change to his energy unit elements, however was nonetheless proud of the steadiness he had and felt he had made essentially the most of it throughout his run to sixteenth on Saturday’s dash grid.
“We had an issue with the ERS this morning, so mainly solely managed to get solely like three laps out of the session,” mentioned Gasly. “And on a dash weekend we all know how essential it was to get it proper from the beginning.
“However then the fellows 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 very happy with the lap I put in that quali. I feel it turned out to be barely higher than we hoped.
“It is fairly difficult with out the upgraded ground; it was effort, and it got here tight to Q2. However it’s fairly Positive.
“I do know I will get these elements in Miami, and that ought to get us by to Q2 and get a bit additional to the factors finishes.”
