Alesi on learning from "ups and down"

Giuliano Alesi admits that he was a ”little lost” at the start of his maiden Formula 2 campaign, but worked hard alongside his team to improve himself and is pleased to now be reaping the rewards.

The Ferrari F1 junior initially struggled to make the transition from GP3 to F2 with Trident and didn’t earn his first points in the Championship until Round 5 at Le Castellet, when he finished 10th in the Feature Race.

“Together with the team, I think we were both a bit lost to begin with. It definitely wasn’t the best way to start, but we tried to find ourselves, bit by bit, to try and improve and go forward.

“It is generally about adapting to any car that you have, that is the role of any racing driver. The car was very different to what I was used to and in the beginning it was really difficult for me to adapt, because I didn't really have the right information at my disposal. Now, I have taken my time and found out the feeling of the car.”

The result in France provided the Frenchman with a timely reminder of his undoubted abilities and handed him the confidence boost he needed for the remainder of the season. His steady progress continued and from Monza onwards he emerged as a consistent midfield contender.

From here, he only finished outside of the points on one occasion, with a pair of P7 finishes, two P8 finishes and fifth in the season finale at Abu Dhabi. “Monza was a relatively good step,” said the Frenchman. “Especially in front of all of the Ferrari fans, because it hasn’t been my best season.

“I have been through quite a lot of ups and downs this year and I have learned from all of them. I improved, the team improved, and we worked together closely to achieve the best results possible. There are still a few things to improve in general, but in terms of my driving and my approach, I am quite satisfied, although it is never perfect.”

Alesi has now departed Trident to sign for F2 newcomers BWT HWA RACELAB and will race alongside experienced competitor Artem Markelov. The Frenchman will be intent on carrying over his late season form with his new team.