Doohan called up by Alpine for Canada outing

Jack Doohan will make his first free practice appearance of the season at the Canadian Grand Prix this weekend with Alpine.

Doohan will replace Esteban Ocon for the opening practice session of the weekend around the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.

The Australian driver has been heavily linked with a full-time promotion to F1 next year, with Ocon to depart the squad.

Doohan has already made four FP1 appearances with Alpine across the last two years in Mexico and Abu Dhabi respectively.

“I'm really excited to get out on track in Montréal for FP1,” Doohan said. “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. 

“My focus will be on doing the best for the team and maximising the session for both drivers, looking at certain test items and understanding the new track surface.”

Doohan's outing will fulfil one of the two mandatory rookie outings each team is required to run each season.

“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,” said team principal Bruno Famin. 

“With Jack’s great work in the simulator in recent races, we can count on his valuable feedback in Montreal.”