In the round-up: Alpine driver Esteban Ocon says he will continue to race aggressively against new team mate Pierre Gasly in 2023
In brief
Ocon sees no need to change aggressive racing style
Alpine driver Esteban Ocon says he will continue to race aggressively against new team mate Pierre Gasly in 2023 after Fernando Alonso criticised him for his defending over team radio last season.
Alonso raced with Ocon for the last two seasons, but had three notable run-ins early in races in 2022 while the pair battled for position. After they clashed on the opening lap of the Hungarian Grand Prix, Alonso said that he had “never in my life seen a defence like Esteban” over team radio. However, Ocon says he is “happy” with his approach to racing team mates.
“I mean, I’m a racing driver. I’m competing to beat everyone,” he told media including RaceFans at the launch of the team’s A523.
“That’s how I’ve been racing my whole life and that’s how I’ve succeed and won titles in the past. And that’s how, in the end, I’ve beaten Fernando as well – racing the way I want to race. For me, the important [thing] is obviously to score the points, work together with Pierre. That’s very important. But I want to fight anyone. And I believe I can fight anyone. I’m happy to be racing that way and that’s how I’ve raced my whole life.”
Pourchaire to remain Sauber academy driver for fourth year
Formula 2 racer Theo Pourchaire will remain a Sauber junior driver for the four successive season, the team has confirmed.
Sauber, who currently operate the Alfa Romeo team in Formula 1, have announced the ART driver will receive the support of their academy once more as he prepares for a third season in F2. F1 Academy driver Lena Buhler, Formula Regional European Championship racer Marcus Amand and karting prospect Taym Saleh will complete Sauber’s junior stable for 2023.
Frijns to miss second fourth Eprix after breaking wrist
Abt Cupra Formula E driver Robin Frijns has confirmed he will miss the next round of the all-electric world championship series in South Africa as he continues to recover from a broken wrist.
Frijns suffered the injury on the opening lap of the season-opening race in Mexico City after running into the back of Norman Nato, causing his steering wheel to snap violently in his hands. After missing both races in Diriyah and Hyderabad, Frijns announced on social media that he would be be racing in Cape Town next weekend.
“Really gutted to miss out on Cape Town,” Frijns said. “I was working very hard to come back as soon as I can. We did the preparation in the simulator which all went pretty smoothly. But after a few more checks on my hand it seems that my bone is not fully healed just yet.
“It’s a hard one to take, knowing the effort I put into this, but I will be back.”
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