Pierre Gasly might have been penalised post-qualifying, but he was very satisfied after his brief run in Baku.
The Frenchman capitalised on a slipstream and later it was revealed a breach in the fuel flow limit, to post the fastest time in Q1, the only session he took part in.
As a result, the stewards awarded him a five-place grid drop which will have no effect on where he starts and Gasly was left to focus on the positives.
“It was nice to end Q1 in P1 but knowing we’re starting from the pit lane tomorrow, the most important thing was just to get a feel of the car on low fuel," he explained.
"It felt really good and it’s probably the first time this year I’ve felt that good in the car, so I’m really happy.”
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It is possible his pit-lane start could actually be of benefit if drama kicks off in the first corner and Gasly is keen to capitalise on a stronger weekend for Red Bull so far.
“I think we have a good car here and I was hoping Max [Verstappen] would get a good result in Q3," he said, with the Dutchman claiming fourth.
"This race track is just insane with all the things that can happen so I will race flat out until the last lap. We have a car good enough to recover and score good points tomorrow, so I will push for it.”
