Doohan set to drive Alpine in Mexico and Abu Dhabi FP1 sessions

Jack Doohan is set to make his F1 practice session return during both the Mexico City Grand Prix and the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, jumping into the A523 to complete Alpine’s two mandatory rookie practice sessions later this season.

Doohan, who is currently a Reserve Driver for the French team and an Alpine Academy member, will step in for Pierre Gasly during next weekend’s outing at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez.

Roles will be reversed for the two full-time drivers in November, with Esteban Ocon electing to sit out Free Practice 1 in Abu Dhabi in order for Doohan to complete the second of the two required sessions.

This won’t be the young Australian’s first time participating in an F1 session, with Doohan having completed practice sessions at both of the planned circuits in the 2022 Alpine challenger last season.

Doohan completed FP1 at last year’s Mexico City Grand Prix with Alpine. Image: Sam Bloxham / LAT Images.

“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,” 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.”

Doohan is currently competing in the FIA Formula 2 Championship with Virtuosi Racing. Images: Sam Bloxham / LAT Images.

Alpine Interim Team Principal Bruno Famin was full of praise for the Australian, being excited to announce Doohan’s duties earlier today.

“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.”

Doohan is currently competing in the 2023 FIA Formula 2 Championship for Virtuosi Racing, looking to round out his season in Abu Dhabi with a potential top-three finish in the championship as he sits in P4, 14 points behind Ayumu Iwasa.

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