Gasly focused on recovery after Monza illness

Pierre Gasly is focused on returning to peak fitness for the Singapore Grand Prix after being struck by illness in Italy.

The AlphaTauri driver was forced to miss the Thursday media responsibilities at Monza after becoming unwell, although was able to return to the cockpit for the weekend.

Gasly was clearly not at 100 per cent for the race, yet was able to battle with Daniel Ricciardo's McLaren throughout before taking advantage of the Australian's demise through an engine issue and finish eighth.

The drivers have been afforded a two-weekend break to prepare for Singapore after the cancellation of the Russian Grand Prix.

With the humidity in Singapore mixed with the bumpy and twisting nature of the Marina Bay circuit and the near two-hour running length making the event one of the most strenuous on the calendar, Gasly will need every day of the lay-off to prepare.

"I will try to rest, get some sleep and get physically back in good shape for that race," said Gasly. "We know it is very extreme conditions."

Singapore makes its return to the calendar for the first time since 2019 following a Covid-19 enforced absence and Gasly is excited to return to the Asian territory.

“It is a track that I love... I love that place," he added.

"I have missed that place the last few years and I can’t wait to get there.

“I go there with an open mind. We will try our best, prepare ourselves the best way and hopefully, we can be fighting again for the top 10.”