Alex and Franco preview our weekend in Baku

After a week off, the team heads to Baku ahead of a double-header for the Azerbaijan and Singapore Grands Prix.

After picking up points in Monza, Alex is keen to carry some momentum into this weekend.

"Heading to Baku, it's the first street circuit we've been to after a long stint of traditional tracks. The streets of Baku have a nice rhythm and it's a familiar circuit that I enjoy building up to across Friday and Saturday, into Qualifying.

"I'm also looking forward to testing our upgraded package on a different style track and seeing how the car responds in these different conditions. It's usually an exciting and unpredictable race with good opportunities for overtaking, which we hope to capitalise on this weekend."

Franco, meanwhile, is looking to build on an impressive debut in Italy.

“My focus this weekend is to continue learning as I race in Baku for the first time. The track is very different to Monza, and tackling a street circuit in an F1 car will be an exciting challenge.

"I've put a lot of preparation into this weekend and will aim to build session by session to understand the circuit and more about the car. We'll be hoping for another positive weekend for both myself and the team."

Sporting Director Sven Smeets echoed the drivers' thoughts, saying:

"After a small break, we head into a double header of street tracks starting with Baku; a track that should suit the car and the new package.

"Alex will be looking to score points after a great weekend in Monza and Franco will continue to focus on building up in the Free Practice sessions to prepare for Qualifying on Saturday.

"We’re racing in Baku at a hotter time of year than in previous seasons, so it will be interesting to see how influential tyre management will be in the race."