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Szafnauer: Stroll as quick as Ocon

Published on 12 Dec 2018 13:15
15
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.

Hepp

Posts: 200

alcohol and internet?

2
Dec 13 2018 - 00:57

F1 News Sergio Perez Esteban Ocon Lance Stroll Otmar Szafnauer Carlos Pace Racing Point Mercedes Force India

Replies (15)

mcbhargav

Posts: 1,332
Whoa, so Massa is leaps and bounds better than Ocon?
- + 0
- Dec 12 2018 - 16:01
- ajpennypacker
  
  Posts: 2,475
  Lol seriously
  + 0
  
  Dec 12 2018 - 16:33
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.
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- Dec 12 2018 - 17:07
- mcbhargav
  
  Posts: 1,332
  Mr.Szafnauer is suffering from Éric Boullier syndrome. But, I dont think, Ocon is Wehrlein 2.0, or atleast yet.
  + 0
  
  Dec 12 2018 - 17:26
- 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.
  + 0
  
  Dec 13 2018 - 00:53
- f1dave
  
  Posts: 782
  Guess witch side of the garage gets the most attention? Can't let daddy's boy look bad.
  + 0
  
  Dec 13 2018 - 01:10
Patentprutser

Posts: 392
How many did father Stroll pay, to let you dat this. LOL
- + 0
- Dec 12 2018 - 18:49
- Hepp
  
  Posts: 200
  alcohol and internet?
  + 2
  
  Dec 13 2018 - 00:57
- calle.itw
  
  Posts: 8,527
  I mean, thats how many fun threads are started... And how many fun F1-related drinking games are coined!
  + 0
  
  Dec 13 2018 - 18:35
Niids

Posts: 43
I just can't wait for Melbourne :D
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- Dec 12 2018 - 19:05
- Hepp
  
  Posts: 200
  I am excited to see LeClerc and Kimi perform. Lando is going to surprise people. I love it.
  + 0
  
  Dec 13 2018 - 01:02
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.
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- Dec 13 2018 - 02:55
xoya

Posts: 583
Yeah, like any of us would say something bad about CEO's son.
- + 1
- Dec 13 2018 - 07:14
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.
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- Dec 13 2018 - 09:55
- 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?
  + 0
  
  Dec 13 2018 - 10:56