20/10/2023
NEWS STORY
Jack Doohan is to drive the Alpine in the opening practice session at the forthcoming grands prix in Mexico and Abu Dhabi.
As part of the French team's two mandatory rookie practice sessions Doohan will drive Pierre Gasly's A523 for Friday's Free Practice 1 at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodrigues in Mexico City, and will then head out in Esteban Ocon's car at the Abu Dhabi season finale.
The 20-year-old Australian has previously participated in two F1 rookie Free Practice sessions, having driven last year's Alpine atb the same two tracks.
As a member of the Alpine Academy, Doohan has extensive experience in Formula 1 machinery having regularly tested the race winning A521 across his reserve driver test programme this season at a host of Formula 1 venues alongside duties on race team support on the team's Enstone simulator during race weekends.
Currently competing in the Formula 2 Championship, Doohan claimed back-to-back race wins in Hungary and Belgium as well as a further two podium appearances and one pole position to sit fourth in the drivers' championship. Looking ahead to the final round in Abu Dhabi in November, he has his sights set on a top three finish in the 2023 Championship.
"It is a huge honour to be given the opportunity to drive a Formula 1 car on a Grand Prix weekend for the second year in a row," said Doohan. "I am very grateful to Alpine for the chance to drive the A523 in both Mexico and Abu Dhabi.
"I have been working really hard with the team this year as their Reserve Driver, taking every opportunity to learn as much as possible for them and I feel prepared to step up and take over driving duties for the team. My sole focus is doing what is required of me by the team in order to contribute positively to the team's outcome across the two Grand Prix weekends."
"It is great to announce that Jack will be taking over driving duties in Mexico and Abu Dhabi for the two sessions," added Bruno Famin, Interim Team Principal. "Jack has worked hard over the course of the year as Alpine's Reserve Driver and his attitude to learn the ropes in that role has been very pleasing to see.
"His main priority remains finishing his Formula 2 campaign in the best possible way in Abu Dhabi, however, we look forward to supporting him in the two Free Practice sessions and having his contribution to the team's performance."