After a difficult and complicated start to the weekend for both Manor drivers, and particularly Esteban Ocon, during qualifying, the race was not at all easy for the latter.<\/p>\n
Indeed, the driver who joined mid-season was unable to deliver the lap he wanted on Saturday, condemning him to start from the back of the grid. Nonetheless, a good race seemed imminent with a superb start from the Frenchman.<\/p>\n
\u00ab It was a great start. I think I gained six places. \u00bb In reality, the native of Evreux had moved up to 18th place, ahead of Wehrlein.<\/p>\n
But the subsequent events were less fortunate, losing positions in favor of drivers who had fitted faster tires.<\/p>\n
For clarification, the Renault test driver started on Medium, the most conservative specification for this Grand Prix. Here, he himself admitted that it was not necessarily the best strategy.<\/p>\n
Obviously, I downshifted gradually; then the tires started to become slippery. I don’t think it was such a good idea to start with Medium tires, even though the first part of the race was good.<\/p>\n
Subsequently, the 2015 GP3 Series champion experienced issues with the balance of his single-seater, which forced him to struggle until the end.<\/p>\n
\u00ab It seems that I sustained some damage that affected the balance. The team spotted something in the data and we tried to address the situation, particularly during pit stops; but it was more challenging to drive the car. Ultimately, I was just happy to reach the finish line. \u00bb<\/p>\n
Ocon was simply disappointed with his race and the weekend from which he had hoped for a more favorable outcome.<\/p>\n
\nAfter a good start where we gained 6 places, a disappointing race for us today… Lost a part of the car lap 12 and time with it. Onto \ud83c\uddf2\ud83c\uddfd \ud83d\ude09! pic.twitter.com\/dZNBGVpkYc<\/a><\/p>\n