Alpine surprises with first double podium in Japan
Ocon wins, Alonso also on the podium
Gasly just misses out on podium
Esteban Ocon has won the 2022 Japanese Grand Prix. The Frenchman started from pole and was able to hold off the challenge of Ferrari's Charles Leclerc to take his first victory of the season. Fernando Alonso also finished on the podium for Alpine, while Pierre Gasly just missed out in fourth.
For Alpine, this is their first double podium since the 2011 Belgian Grand Prix. It is also the first time that they have had two cars on the podium since they rebranded from Renault at the start of the 2021 season.
Ocon was delighted with his victory, saying: "It's an incredible feeling. I've been working so hard for this. I want to thank the whole team for their hard work."
Alonso was also pleased with his podium finish, saying: "It's been a long time since I've been on the podium. It's a great feeling to be back up there."
Gasly was disappointed to miss out on the podium, but he was still pleased with his performance. He said: "I'm happy with my race. I think we did everything we could today. We just need to keep working hard and we'll get there eventually."
The Japanese Grand Prix was a great day for Alpine. It was the team's first double podium since 2011 and it showed that they are making progress. With just four races remaining in the season, Alpine will be hoping to finish the season on a high.
Reaction from the drivers
- **Esteban Ocon:** "It's an incredible feeling. I've been working so hard for this. I want to thank the whole team for their hard work."
- **Fernando Alonso:** "It's been a long time since I've been on the podium. It's a great feeling to be back up there."
- **Pierre Gasly:** "I'm happy with my race. I think we did everything we could today. We just need to keep working hard and we'll get there eventually."
Conclusion
Alpine's double podium in the Japanese Grand Prix was a great day for the team. It showed that they are making progress and that they are capable of challenging for podiums and wins. With just four races remaining in the season, Alpine will be hoping to finish the season on a high.
