Frenchman enjoying F1 mileage, but admits GP2 results have disappointed
Friday 31 July 2015 12:48, UK
Pierre Gasly appears next in line on Red Bull's talent conveyor belt should an F1 seat become available at either of their teams. The Frenchman spoke exclusively to Sky Sports about how his 2015 was progressing.
You got another chance at the wheel of the Red Bull RB11 in Austria – how was that?
"It was fantastic, even if the conditions were a bit tricky. We couldn’t really run in the morning due to the rain, but in afternoon we managed do some laps on the soft tyres, but also inters which was really good in terms of experience to drive in wet conditions.
"I would say it felt great after Barcelona to get another opportunity to be in the car, work with them a bit closer and try to give them good feedback.
"Overall I think it went even better than Barcelona and everything is going in the right direction and it was fantastic to be in Formula 1 car again."
How different did you find it compared to Barcelona?
"In terms of the car the car there was definitely some improvement, in terms of driving I would say I could adapt a bit quicker at the Red Bull Ring than I did in Barcelona. Of course there it was my first test and you just try to build up your confidence, but when I started at the Red Bull Ring I had the feeling to be on the pace straight away which was good. Overall it was a really good experience and really useful."
And with such limited mileage allowed, it is great for any young driver to get a chance in an F1 car.
"Exactly. We have Max at the moment who is really young in F1 and it is a good example that young drivers can make it in F1 and can deliver a really good job. So I am pushing really hard at the minute in the simulator, when I am in the car with Red Bull I try to do a really good job and also during my GP2 season I try to show some good pace and get some good results."
It’s a full campaign for you in GP2 this year after three outings at the end of last year. But it hasn’t been an easy start to the season for you or team-mate Alex Lynn at DAMS.
"Exactly, at the moment I would say it is a bit difficult. We have the potential most of the time to fight for a podium or a victory, but there is always something happening which blocks us from these results.
"So I think we need to put everything together, with Alex we showed some really good potential in terms of performance in qualifying and the race, so I think it is a question to put everything together and not to do any mistakes. I think the car is quick, we showed good pace in testing, so I hope I will be able to make it in the races.”
(Gasly was speaking ahead of the team's one-two finish in Hungary)
So confident of a stronger second half of the season?
"Yes naturally. Looking at the championship I would say we have had a lot of bad moments, but for sure we are going to be stronger for the second half of the season, we still have lots of races left and I am sure we are going to be right at the top soon."
You did a couple of races last year without DRS, what have you made of its introduction this year?
"I would say it is a good thing. It makes the racing even better because you can see even more overtakes. Unfortunately it didn’t work at all the races properly, which was a bit unfair at some points, but when it works properly it is good for the racing.
"In terms of battles I think we saw a lot of on-track fights at the beginning of the year and I think it is pretty interesting to watch our races which is important for the fans."
How are your 2016 plans progressing? Are you looking to F1, GP2 again or perhaps sportscars or DTM?
"At the moment it is definitely too early to talk about 2016. At the moment I am just focussing on my season in GP2 which is very important for me to perform well. We had some great times with DAMS during testing, but we didn’t make it yet during the races.
"So that is the main point, we need to deliver some better results until the end, some good points, some good podiums and some victories. So that is my only aim and focus at the moment."
Following the Hungarian rounds, Gasly sits sixth in the GP2 drivers' championship with 61 points, 133 points behind runaway leader Stoffel Vandoorne.
