Jack Doohan to get his first F1 drive with Alpine in Qatar after Oscar Piastri completed his run of two days at the same circuit.
Alpine has kick started its junior F1 test programme with Piastri completing his first run of 2022 at Losail Circuit in Qatar on May 11-12. Continuing this will be Doohan, who will get his first run in the A521 machine at the same track on Sunday (May 15).
“It’s been a productive two days of testing in Qatar where I’ve continued getting to grips with the A521 Formula 1 car,” said Piastri, who will now join Alpine as a reserve in Barcelona and Monaco. “It was very hot across both days but that’s good for physical preparation.
“The track has largely been unused recently, so there were varying levels of grip and the conditions were quite dusty and windy throughout. It was a challenge at times, but important for me to learn about driving in different conditions. I’m looking forward to joining the F1 Team again in Barcelona and Monaco before my next private test day in June,” summed up Piastri.
At the same time, Doohan added: “I’m super excited to drive a Formula 1 car for the first time. This is a moment that I’ve been building up to ever since I started racing karts, and I know these opportunities are extremely privileged. I’m very grateful to Alpine for the opportunity and I’m looking forward to giving it my best on the test day.
“I’ve watched behind the scenes at some private tests before and I’ve completed a lot of preparation in the loop simulator at Enstone, so I’m definitely feeling ready for this challenge. I’ll build myself up on the day, enjoy it at the same time and hopefully learn as much as possible alongside the team.”
And Julian Rouse, Alpine Academy Director, added: “We’re very pleased to give Jack his first run in a Formula 1 car. Since he’s joined the programme at the start of the year, we’ve seen Jack develop and grow very quickly. He’s spent a bit of time at Enstone to prepare and he’s certainly demonstrating promising potential.
“For Oscar, this is his second private test of the year as part of his intense testing programme in the 2021-spec Formula 1 car. It’s important for Oscar to stay match fit and up to speed in this type of machinery and we’re pleased to continue supporting Oscar on his pathway. There’s more to come for him throughout the year.”
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