Jack Doohan is set to hit the track for the fifth time in his career during an FP1 session this weekend, taking over Esteban Ocon’s Alpine car in Canada.
Teams are mandated to run rookie drivers in two FP1 sessions per season, and Alpine is taking this opportunity at the Montreal circuit to fulfill one of these requirements. Doohan, a favored candidate for a 2025 seat following Ocon’s recently confirmed departure, will be behind the wheel of the A524.
“Really excited to get out on track in Montreal for FP1,” Doohan expressed enthusiastically. “It will be my first time driving at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve, which I am looking forward to. I am grateful to the team for the opportunity to get more track time and also familiarise myself with 2024 machinery early in the season. This will also help with the work I am doing in the simulator, particularly at the European rounds.”
Doohan, who currently serves as Alpine’s reserve driver, has already tasted FP1 action in Mexico and Abu Dhabi in the past two years. He joined the Alpine academy in 2022 and secured third place in last season’s F2 championship.
Bruno Famin, the team boss, commented, “In Canada, we have decided to use the first mandatory young driver Free Practice 1, with Jack Doohan in the car in place of Esteban, giving him the opportunity to get behind the wheel of the A524. With Jack’s great work in the simulator in recent races, we can count on his valuable feedback in Montreal.”
More information regarding Esteban Ocon’s future in F1 has surfaced, including speculations around potential seats he might occupy next season.
This session will be crucial for Jack Doohan as he aims to make the most of his time on track and provide Alpine with essential feedback, all while getting accustomed to the 2024 car ahead of the upcoming European rounds.
Source: Planetf1
