Jack Doohan has highlighted the importance the Yas Marina Circuit has to him as he gets ready to embark on his full F1 debut for Alpine.
The 21-year-old will replace Esteban Ocon for the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix after the Frenchman was released to test with Haas following the final race of the year.
Having already been signed to replace Ocon for the 2025 F1 season, Doohan steps in alongside Pierre Gasly earlier than expected with the aim to help deliver sixth place in the constructors' championship to Team Enstone.
The Australian has spent the current campaign as Alpine's reserve driver, having last raced in F2 last year, clinching his final of six victories at that level in Abu Dhabi 12 months ago.
"It is great to be making my Formula One debut with the team in Abu Dhabi this weekend," Doohan said. "This track holds a lot of special memories for me.
"I have raced at the Yas Marina Circuit at various points throughout my career and it is also where I won my final Formula 2 race in 2023, so I am excited to get back on track there but this time in Formula One."
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Although a far cry from where the team has been in recent seasons, having started the year on the back foot, Alpine has found form - and fortune - when it matters most.
An unlikely double-podium finish in torrid conditions at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix and Pierre Gasly's heroic fifth-place drive in Qatar has vaulted the team above Haas and RB in the fight for sixth.
Securing that spot in the standings will be Doohan's primary aim, as well as making good on the chance to get acquainted with his race seat early.
"This weekend, as well as the post-season test, present an opportunity for myself and the team to have additional track time together as we gear up for the 2025 season and the aim for myself will be to support the team's ambition to finish in sixth in the Constructors’ Championship," he said.
"I am looking forward to working together with them to achieve this goal and to close out the season on a positive note."
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