Poorly Gasly survived stomach virus to power to P10

©ToroRosso

Toro Rosso's Pierre Gasly was happy to secure a spot on the fifth row of the Mexican Grand Prix grid despite feeling poorly on Saturday because of a stomach virus.

Gasly was hit with the bug like dozens of other members of the F1 paddock.

The Frenchman remained confined to his team's garage during FP3, only undertaking a handful of laps towards the end of the final practice session.

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But the 23-year-old was determined to run in the afternoon and give it his best even if it meant throwing up over the side of his car every other lap!

"I didn’t sleep much, and wasn't feeling great, but I just tried to rest all day long and do the job when it mattered," he said.

"I don’t really know where it came from. I felt pretty bad but it’s starting to get better.

"Once you get the adrenaline and the speed and you know you have to do the job, you switch to a different zone,” he added.

"In terms of concentration, it’s a bit tougher. I was still able to do a good job, but for sure I wasn’t in my best shape."

Gasly's best efforts in qualifying took him into Q3 where he concluded the segment P10, just one spot behind teammate Dany Kvyat, a result that quite satisfied the Toro Rosso charger.

"Overall, I’m pretty happy with my performance to make it through to Q3 for the second time in a row after Suzuka and I think we can be quite pleased with that."

However, Gasly expected to be challenged at the outset when the light turn off on Sunday afternoon.

"It’s going to be tricky to start on the softer compound with Sergio right behind us on presumably the prime, but we still have a chance to score some points tomorrow."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.