Gasly optimistic despite session-ending crash in Japanese practice

Pierre Gasly has explained his crash that occurred in the final minutes of Free Practice 2 for the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka.

Turn 9 - Degner 2 - proved problematic for a number of drivers during Friday practice, with many “skateboarding” over the exit kerb.

However, Gasly was the only driver to find the wall at the corner, with a lock-up forcing him into the gravel and into the wall, with the left-front wheel being plucked in the low-speed impact at the second of the famous Degner corners.

Despite the mishap which brought FP2 to an early end, Gasly was feeling pleased with Alpine's work for the day.

“All good on my side, I’m feeling fine,” Gasly said after the session.

“Unfortunately, I just locked up and tried to turn, I couldn’t make the corner.

“It’s not ideal but the guys are going to repair the car, all fine for [qualifying] and we’ll go again.”

Gasly pleased with Friday learning

Alpine managed to score points last time out in Singapore through Gasly, who crossed the line in sixth place.

However, team-mate Esteban Ocon was also on course for a top 10 finish before a gearbox issue forced him to retire.

As it aims to add more points to its tally this weekend in Japan, Gasly says that Alpine uncovered useful data for the remainder of the weekend during the first day of running.

“I think the morning was better in terms of performance but I didn’t feel good in the car in terms of balance,” he said.

“We tried quite a few things in the afternoon which unfortunately didn’t bring what we hoped for.

“But at least it gives us some good direction.

"I’m confident for tomorrow we’ll put all of the learnings from Esteban and myself, and try to maximise the package for qualifying.”