Gasly reveals key advantage in new team principal selection

Pierre Gasly has stated Oliver Oakes’ experience as a racing driver will help Alpine as he takes on the team principal role at the squad.

Oakes has succeeded Bruno Famin as the leader of the Alpine team, stepping away from his previous position at the helm of the Hitech GP racing outfit.

Prior to his entry into team management, Oakes spent several years competing junior categories and was once a part of the Red Bull Junior Team.

This weekend’s Dutch Grand Prix will mark Oakes’ debut running the day-to-day operations of the Alpine team during an F1 race weekend, with Gasly voicing his support for the 36-year-old.

“I know he’s very objective, he’s been a driver himself as well so he can understand both sides, from the driver’s point of view and also from a management type of things,” Gasly told media including RacingNews365.

“It’s going to be very interesting to work with him and he’s been proven to do some very good stuff over the last few years.

“It’s no surprise we got this opportunity now from this weekend, so I’m looking forward to it.”

Gasly confirms talks with Oakes

Oakes’ appointment was announced just days into the summer break, giving the Briton little time to gel with the squad ahead of the next race.

Gasly confirmed he has talked with Oakes since the decision was made by the team.

“Yeah, we chatted over the summer,” the one-time grand prix winner declared.

“I have known Ollie for some years already because obviously he’s been working in younger formulae.

“We actually came to a couple of chats over the last few years, but obviously now into a new role, [it’s] quite a big change and a new environment for him to get used to.

“I know him, I know his qualities, I know his capabilities and I’m very much looking forward to working with him.”