Alpine have confirmed that one of their Academy drivers, Jack Doohan, will make his debut behind the wheel of an F1 car at a test in Qatar. The Formula 2 star is set to drive the team's 2021 challenger on Sunday 15 May, for the final day of the squad's three-day testing session at the Losail International Circuit. Alpine reserve driver Oscar Piastri had been running the car during the opening days on 11-12 May, having previously had his first experience of the A521 at a test held at Austin's Circuit of the Americas venue in April.
Doohan "super excited" for first F1 outing
For Doohan, the prospect of having his first experience of a Formula 1 car is something he is clearly excited about. "I'm super excited to drive a Formula 1 car for the first time," the Australian said. "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." Doohan - who has had mixed fortunes in his debut F2 campaign this year, having yet to claim a victory after taking pole position at the season-opener in Bahrain - has been preparing for the test at the team's Enstone base. "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," the 19-year-old added. "I'll build myself up on the day, enjoy it at the same time and hopefully learn as much as possible alongside the team."
F1 testing continues for Piastri
Piastri, meanwhile, says that he had a "productive" two days of testing in Qatar as he continues to familiarise himself with the A521. "It was very hot across both days, but that's good for physical preparation," he explained. "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." Next, Piastri will join Alpine at the upcoming F1 races in Spain and Monaco in his role as a reserve driver, before undertaking another private test programme in Austria next month.
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