Gabriel Bortoleto scored points for Audi during the team’s debut in the Australian Grand Prix. The Brazilian started from tenth place, moved up one position during the race and scored two points. “There are many things you have to take into account during the race,” Bortoleto concludes.
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Despite Gabriel Bortoleto being unable to drive in Q3 due to a technical problem, he was allowed to start the race in Melbourne from tenth place. Teammate Nico Hülkenberg, who had qualified eleventh, retired before the start with a technical problem. Nevertheless, Audi managed to score points immediately in its first race as a factory team at the Albert Park circuit. “If someone had told us that in our very first race as a new team we would reach Q3 and score points, I probably would have asked if they were drunk,” Bortoleto told Sky Sports F1 afterwards.
‘That was not planned’
With a ninth-place finish, the 21-year-old Brazilian took two points for the championship. He was visibly satisfied afterwards. “It was a lot of fun. Sometimes it really went in all directions. Many situations were unpredictable and I made overtakes that I didn’t expect myself,” said the Audi driver. An example of this happened right after a pit stop. “I wanted to keep Pierre Gasly behind me, so I pressed the button for extra energy before the first corner. Suddenly I also passed the car in front of me, that was not planned.”
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Bortoleto also liked the regulations, but he notes that the driver is busy with much more than just racing. “You have to drive smart and think strategically during the race. Last season it was just a bit simpler, then you were in the car and you were mainly concerned with tire management. Paying attention to energy played no role then. Now there are about ten things coming at you that you have to take into account at the same time,” the 21-year-old driver concludes.
‘Historic moment’
Audi team principal Jonathan Wheatley emphasizes that this was undoubtedly a historic day. “I am incredibly proud of this result. We are here with a completely new team, chassis and power unit. That we immediately reach Q3 and finish ninth undoubtedly makes this a historic moment for the team. It is a fantastic way to start our adventure,” Wheatley concludes.
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