Szafnauer: Stroll as quick as Ocon
- Published on 12 Dec 2018 13:15
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- By: Fergal Walsh
Racing Point team principal Otmar Szafnauer says that Lance Stroll is already as quick as Esteban Ocon in the team's simulator. Stroll replaces Ocon at the team for 2019 following his father's takeover of the team in August, after it fell into administration.
Following his debut for the Silverstone outfit at the post-season test in Abu Dhabi, he was officially confirmed alongside Sergio Perez for the 2019 season. Ocon will work closely with Mercedes in 2019, and is still eyeing a role with Racing Point.
Speaking on Formula 1's Beyond the Grid Podcast, Szafnauer was full of praise for the young Canadian, who is preparing for his third season of F1: "Lance absolutely loved his time in the car, said the car can do the things he wants a car to do which is good, we were duly impressed with Lance," he said.
"We were already impressed with him when he ran in the simulator. He was on the pace very quickly, up to Esteban's [Ocon] level in the simulator. We were just hoping the pace that he showed in the simulator would translate onto the race track and it did. He was very quick on track too.
"So we've got some good potential there in Lance, we'll work with him to hopefully teach him some things we know about how to drive the tyre, how to preserve it and how to make it go quick and last over the stints and we'll do that with him, help him qualify better too.
"But he brings some great skills, he's quick, he usually does a great job at the start and over the first lap, he usually makes up places, so we look forward to working with him."
The team formerly known as Force India appeared as Racing Point on the FIA's official 2019 entry list, however, it is set to produce a new name prior to the commencement of the season.
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Replies (15)
Login to replymcbhargav
Posts: 1,332
Whoa, so Massa is leaps and bounds better than Ocon?
ajpennypacker
Posts: 2,475
Lol seriously
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Mmh, I dunno, I kinda think this is horseshit. But if this were to turn out to be true, and Stroll doesnt get as steamrolled by Perez as I think he will be, then it turns out that Ocon is nothing but Wehrlein 2.0, just an overhyped kid with a poor attitude.
mcbhargav
Posts: 1,332
Mr.Szafnauer is suffering from Éric Boullier syndrome. But, I dont think, Ocon is Wehrlein 2.0, or atleast yet.
Hepp
Posts: 200
I agree, again. Lance needs to better himself/car in qualifying and consistent race pace. Let the engineers help him develop better race craft. .... Lando has the ears and talent too.
f1dave
Posts: 782
Guess witch side of the garage gets the most attention? Can't let daddy's boy look bad.
Patentprutser
Posts: 388
How many did father Stroll pay, to let you dat this. LOL
Hepp
Posts: 200
alcohol and internet?
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
I mean, thats how many fun threads are started... And how many fun F1-related drinking games are coined!
Niids
Posts: 43
I just can't wait for Melbourne :D
Hepp
Posts: 200
I am excited to see LeClerc and Kimi perform. Lando is going to surprise people. I love it.
sadosalo
Posts: 198
yes he is, podium at Azerbaijan not many can say this. And please just because his Dad is rich get real give the guy a chance. He has to work as hard as other drivers and still young. 2016 FIA champion formula 3. Go Lance 2019 kick ass.
xoya
Posts: 583
Yeah, like any of us would say something bad about CEO's son.
blade
Posts: 341
Perez is a veteran, hard racer, not always fair - let's see how this one goes, if Lance can compete and keep up his share of qualifying results, we're in for a good season.
boudy
Posts: 1,168
Gotta give it to him I think he is improving however I am unsure if he can develop a car. With Perez in the team he will have a great marker. Surely either mcLaren or Williams or both will improve next season. RENAULT won't be sitting still.
This year has been one of the best multiplle GP winners not a dominant Team in all GP's. Will we see an even better year in F1 next year?