Pierre Gasly Targets Strong Qualifying Run in Las Vegas
Pierre Gasly is encouraged by his Thursday practice sessions in Las Vegas and aims to maintain his impressive qualifying record on the street circuit. Having started P3 and P4 in previous years, Gasly feels comfortable pushing the car despite the track's challenges, hoping for a strong top-ten grid position for Alpine.
Pierre Gasly is feeling confident after a solid Thursday practice in Las Vegas, aiming to continue his impressive qualifying streak on the street circuit. The Alpine driver, who has consistently shown strong pace here, is hoping to secure another top-ten starting position.
Why it matters:
Gasly's history of strong qualifying performances in Las Vegas, including P3 and P4 starts in previous years, makes him a driver to watch. For Alpine, a strong qualifying result could provide a much-needed morale boost and a rare opportunity for points, especially as Gasly currently sits P18 in the world championship.
The Details:
- Encouraging Practice: Gasly finished both FP1 and FP2 in P12, within one second of the leading car, which he described as "encouraging" despite the "risky" nature of the Las Vegas track.
- Track Comfort: He expressed comfort in the car, stating, "I felt good in the car from the start... I'm comfortable to push, take risks, and I'm pretty happy."
- Qualifying Record: Gasly has a notable record in Las Vegas, starting P3 in 2023 and P4 in 2022 (with the new layout), a streak he is keen to maintain.
- Conversion Challenge: Despite strong qualifying, converting these positions into points has been difficult; he finished P11 in 2023 and retired due to an engine failure in 2022.
- Rain Prospects: Gasly jokingly noted that rain, which was a talking point but didn't materialize, could create chaotic conditions favoring his team, saying, "It gives more chance for the others to actually f**k up." He acknowledged that wet conditions on a low-grip, low-drag track would be "extremely tricky" but also an opportunity.
What's next:
Gasly's focus will now shift to qualifying, where he aims to break into the top ten. While his past performances suggest a strong chance of a high grid position, the real test will be maintaining that performance during the race to secure valuable championship points for Alpine. The unpredictable nature of the Las Vegas Street Circuit, especially with potential weather changes, could play a significant role in the final outcome.