Alpine confirm rookie FP1 driver for Mexico and Abu Dhabi

Alpine reserve driver Jack Doohan will take part in FP1 for the Mexico City and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix as the French team completes its rookie run obligations.

All teams are required to run drivers with two or fewer races of experience in two first practice sessions across the season.

Australian Doohan, who sits fourth in the F2 Drivers' standings, will take to the wheel of the A523 at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez and the Yas Marina Circuit to get his first taste of an official F1 weekend this year, having run a similar programme for the team after the Oscar Piastri contract fiasco last season.

“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," said Doohan.

"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.”

Hard work

Doohan's performances in F2 this season have seen him pick up back-to-back race victories in Hungary and Belgium as well as a further two podiums.

"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," added interim Team Principal Bruno Famin.

"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.”