Race and classic pictures

Alpine F1 reveals 2022 junior line-up

The Alpine F1 team has revealed its Academy line-up for 2022 as its junior program enters its seventh season.

Incumbent juniors Caio Collet and Victor Martins have been part of Alpine's Academy for four years, and both drivers will undertake this year their second season in the FIA Formula 3 Championship.

But Aussie Jack Doohan - who has moved to Alpine from Red Bull's young driver program - and Briton Olli Caldwell will compete in the FIA Formula Championship as they join Alpine's mentorship program.

"We are only measured by our success on track and our goal as an Academy is always to win the Championships our drivers are competing in," commented longstanding Alpine Academy director Mia Sharizman.

"Jack is fresh from finishing as runner-up in Formula 3 showing his raw speed in the championship and again in his debut in Formula 2 last year, while Olli comes into the Academy after a solid year in F3 where he managed four podium finishes and a race win.

"We accept it might take a few races for the two of them to adjust to their new surroundings, but we’re confident they will hit the ground running towards the second half of the season.

"For Victor and Caio, they know it’s time to deliver and fight for the F3 title this season after a strong first year in the series.

"They’ve been part of the Academy for four years and have shown strong development in every season. Victor won his first race last year and Caio scored some strong results. We are excited for both seasons to start next month."

Alpine's Academy had its most successful year in 2021, with graduates Oscar Piastri taking the F2 title on his first attempt and Guanyu Zhou finishing in third following an intense battle.

The former will be Alpine F1's acting reserve this season while the latter has joined the elite with Alfa Romeo.

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

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