The Alpine duo of Fernando Alonso and Esteban Ocon left Portimão after both landing in the top 10 for the second time in a row this season.
The team landed ten points during the Portuguese Grand Prix, in the form of a P7 finish for Ocon and P8 for Alonso following an entertaining battle on track.
Speaking after the race, two-time world champion driver, Alonso, said Portugal marked the first time he felt comfortable to “attack hard” for points.
“It was a good weekend in general”, he said.
“The car performed well and we took a big step forward in racing with Ferraris and McLarens, a very different situation than we did in Bahrain and Imola.
“It was the first time I felt comfortable attacking hard. I want to send a big thumbs up to everyone in the team for this great progress and I think it could have been even better if we had started higher on the grid.
“Saturday’s performances will be the key to the next two races in Barcelona and Monaco. So I have to focus on maximizing my pace on one lap starting next week.”
Meanwhile, his French teammate said their ability to bring the fight to McLaren and Ferrari shows vast improvement for the team.
“I’m very happy with the race and I think we reached our maximum today”, Ocon said.
“Placing both cars in the points shows our progress and our overall good weekend.
“Everyone in the team has contributed to this progress and fighting with Ferraris and McLarens shows that our car has improved.
“The overtaking was very pleasant!
“We want to build on this momentum and score more points.
“We know it will be different next week, but we will aim for further progress to maintain our level of performance.
“I can not wait to be there!”
Racing will resume this weekend at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on Sunday, May 9, with lights out at 2:00 pm Irish time.
