Yahoo Autos Alpine confirms Doohan FP1 outings in Mexico, Abu Dhabi
Jack Doohan will drive for Alpine in FP1 at both the Mexico City Grand Prix and the season final in Abu Dhabi as part of the team’s mandatory rookie outings.
The Alpine reserve driver took part in FP1s at the same two venues last year and will continue his development this year. Doohan is currently fourth in the Formula 2 championship and has a chance of finishing as runner-up with one round remaining, but has been preparing for F1 outings with a testing program alongside his F2 duties.
“It is a huge honor to be given the opportunity to drive a Formula 1 car on a grand prix weekend for the second year in a row,” Doohan said. “I am very grateful to BWT Alpine F1 Team for the chance to drive the A523 in Free Practice 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.”
Interim team principal Bruno Famin says Doohan has impressed with his approach whenever he has had a chance to work with the F1 team, even if his own focus is on his final races of the season.
“It is great to announce that Jack will be taking over driving duties in Mexico and Abu Dhabi for the two Free Practice 1 sessions,” Famin said. “Jack has worked hard over the course of the year as BWT Alpine F1 Team’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.”
