Gasly Eyes Strong Las Vegas Qualifying After Encouraging Practice
Pierre Gasly is feeling optimistic after a solid Thursday practice in Las Vegas, where he finished both sessions in P12. With a history of strong qualifying performances on the street circuit (P3 in 2023, P4 in 2022), the Alpine driver is aiming to continue his impressive record. He believes the challenging track conditions and potential for rain could play into his favor, providing opportunities for a breakthrough result.
Pierre Gasly is feeling confident after an encouraging Thursday practice session in Las Vegas, aiming to continue his impressive qualifying streak on the unique street circuit. Finishing both FP1 and FP2 in P12, within a second of the fastest car, has boosted his spirits on the notoriously slippery track.
Why it matters:
Gasly has a remarkably strong qualifying record in Las Vegas, securing P3 in 2023 and P4 the year before. Maintaining this form is crucial for Alpine, as a strong grid position is key to converting potential into points on a circuit where overtaking can be challenging. For Gasly, who sits P18 in this year's championship, a standout performance could significantly impact his season.
The Details:
- Strong Practice Pace: Gasly felt "good in the car from the start" during practice sessions, finding a comfortable balance despite the track's inherent difficulties and risks. He expressed confidence in pushing and taking risks.
- Qualifying History: Gasly's previous performances in Las Vegas are noteworthy, with P3 and P4 starts in the prior two events, showcasing his ability to extract pace on this specific layout.
- Conversion Challenge: Despite strong qualifying, converting these positions into points has been a challenge. In 2023, he finished P11, and in the year before, he retired due to an engine failure after just 15 laps.
- Rain Speculation: Gasly acknowledged that rain, though it didn't materialize on Thursday, could create chaotic conditions, which he believes could benefit Alpine by increasing the chances of rivals making mistakes on the low-grip, low-drag track.
What's next:
Gasly is focused on translating his practice pace into a strong qualifying performance, aiming for a top-ten start. While past races have shown difficulties in converting high grid positions into points, the team will be working to optimize their race strategy and reliability. The unpredictable nature of the Las Vegas circuit, combined with potential weather changes, means that strong execution in qualifying and the race will be paramount for Gasly to secure valuable points and maintain his impressive record.