Esteban Ocon motivated to kickstart 2023 season

Frenchman Esteban Ocon says he is “ready and motivated” to get his 2023 season going in Saudi Arabia this weekend.

Round 2 of the 2023 Formula 1 season takes place at Jeddah Corniche circuit and will be the third race around the high-speed track.

Ocon, 26, had a torrid opening round in Bahrain, retiring from the race after serving three penalties during the Grand Prix, while new teammate Pierre Gasly finished ninth after starting last.

“Jeddah is a very unique circuit in Formula 1. It is a very fast and flowing street circuit and most of the lap is taken at full throttle, which is very exciting,” said Ocon, adding: “the chance of safety cars are high given the nature of the track, so we have to remain ready for all possibilities.

“The whole team is ready and motivated for a better weekend to kickstart our season.”

27-year-old Gasly said there “so much more” to come from him as he enters his second race with the Alpine, adding: “it’s important we piece everything together to make sure we extract the maximum performance.”

Gasly’s ninth place gave the Enstone team two points from the opening round leaving the team sixth in the Constructors Standings.