Alpine boss Oliver Oakes has failed to completely shut down a rumour of a potential swap of Jack Doohan and Franco Colapinto when asked by RacingNews365. Argentine Colapinto was signed as a reserve driver over the winter from Williams, with Australian Doohan said to be on a five or six-race contract to prove his worth to the team as he starts his rookie season. Alpine have been clear that Doohan will start the season in Melbourne, but his long-term future is unclear, with RacingNews365 posing a direct question to Oakes during an impressive pre-season test to the team. He was asked if he was able to "right here and now" shut down the rumour regarding the swap, but did not answer the question. "I think we've been really honest as a team as to what we're doing," Oakes replied. "I am pretty chilled on it, and I think I keep saying it, but just let Jack get on with it and also let the team get on with it." Doohan has performed well during pre-season testing, with Oakes believing the F2 race-winner should "given space" to perform. "I was quite proud of him being punchy with you all [at F1 75, but on a serious note, I actually feel for him because I get everybody wants the clickbait and that it is a discussion topic," he continued. "He should be given a bit of space to just get on with it for a few rounds, and then at the end of the day, like every driver, he's got to deliver. "But he's done a really good job of blocking out the noise and just getting on with it. "No matter what driver you are in any category, there is pressure, it doesn't matter if that is F1 or even in the junior categories, and because Franco did a good job last year and has a big fan base, of course, it is natural people want to talk about that."
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