Aston Martin team boss Mike Krack complemented Felipe Drugovich for executing a "solid job" in Friday's opening practice at Monza, emphasizing the Brazilian's "detailed feedback" and contribution to the team's set-up programme.
Drugovich replaced Lance Stroll in FP1 as part of Aston's mandatory F1 young driver requirements. Overall, the 23-year-old achieved 24 laps as part of the team's run plans, setting the 18th fastest time in the session.
However, the Aston reserve only had access to a single set of medium tyres for the duration for the session, due to the constraints imposed by F1's Alternative Tyre Allocation rules that are in force this weekend for the second time this season.
"As expected, Felipe did a really solid job for the team today and did not set a foot wrong, completing 24 laps during the first practice session," commented Krack.
"He was tasked with a difficult job given the Alternative Tyre Allocation, but he made his set of Medium tyres last throughout the hour and completed his full run plan within that time.
"We’re pleased with the detailed feedback he’s given today; it will be helpful in guiding our set-up for the weekend."
Drugovich sampled Aston's AMR23 during pre-season testing in Bahrain earlier this year when he subbed for the injured Stroll.
He therefore had the opportunity to gauge how much the car has evolved since last winter.
"I really enjoyed being back out in the AMR23 today; this car is just fantastic," he enthused.
"I expected the stability to be slightly compromised by such a low downforce set-up, but I was pleased with how the car was handling and felt confident to push almost straight away.
Due to the Alternative Tyre Allocation, we only had one set of tyres throughout the session, but we managed to get through the entire run plan on the Medium compound, so I’m pleased with what we accomplished.
"I spend a lot of time on the simulator helping the team with development work, so I think being back behind the wheel gives me a really good marker of how the car is developing and helps with the correlation between the two.
"I can definitely take what I’ve learned today back to Silverstone and continue to support the team’s car development.
"I really appreciate the team giving me this opportunity and guiding me through the session; it’s been a pleasure to work with everyone trackside again."
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