Alpine vow to fix key issue after Suzuka fallout

Alpine has asserted its commitment to improving communication with its drivers following an altercation last time out at the Japanese Grand Prix.

Towards the end of the race, Alpine opted to swap Gasly and Ocon as the former attempted to close down Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso.

Having bridged a slight gap to Ocon on a different strategy, Alpine ordered Gasly to swap back the positions on the last lap.

Gasly initially protested the command but followed the call and dropped behind his team-mate before the chequered flag.

It marked another difficult moment in Alpine’s season, which has been marred by several key senior management changes.

As the Enstone-based outfit bids to end the current campaign on a high, interim Team Principal Bruno Famin has said fixing communication will be a key area for it to focus on.

“Our priority, first and foremost, is to score as many points as possible at any given race weekend,” Famin said ahead of the Qatar Grand Prix weekend.

“We saw the opportunity for Pierre, with fresher tyres, to try to fight for eight place. We had to try.

“Our communication with him may not have been optimal and in the future we will make sure that it is.

“Both drivers are clearly motivated for success and maximising the team result and I’m happy this is the case.”