Alpine hands Doohan FP1 sessions in Mexico and Abu Dhabi

©Alpine

Alpine F1 reserve Jack Doohan will drive for the Enstone squad in free practice 1 in Mexico next week and at F1’s season finale in Abu Dhabi.

Doohan’s outings will fulfill the team’s two mandatory rookie practice sessions for 2023.

The 20-year-old Australian will run onboard Pierre Gasly’s A523 at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez and replace Esteban Ocon at Yas Marina.

Doohan previously enjoyed an identical set of F1 outings with Alpine in Mexico City and and in Abu Dhabi in 2022.

Alongside his race team support duties on Alpine’s simulator at Enstone, the Aussie has already put considerable F1 mileage under his belt this year as part of the Frech outfit’s private test programme with its A521.

Read also: Otro Capital adds big sporting names to Alpine F1 investment group

Racing with Invicta Virtuosi in the FIA Formula 2 Championship, Doohan currently sits fourth in the series, with two race wins in Hungary and Belgium, two additional podiums, and one pole position. He is aiming for a top three finish in the final round in Abu Dhabi in November.

“It is a huge honour to be given the opportunity to drive a Formula 1 car on a Grand Prix weekend for the second year in a row,” commented Doohan.

“I am very grateful to BWT Alpine F1 Team for the chance to drive the A523 in Free Practice in both Mexico and Abu Dhabi.

©Alpine

“I have been working really hard with the team this year as their Reserve Driver, taking every opportunity to learn as much as possible for them and I feel prepared to step up and take over driving duties for the team.

“My sole focus is doing what is required of me by the team in order to contribute positively to the team’s outcome across the two Grand Prix weekends.”

Bruno Famin, Interim Team Principal said: “It is great to announce that Jack will be taking over driving duties in Mexico and Abu Dhabi for the two Free Practice 1 sessions.

“Jack has worked hard over the course of the year as BWT Alpine F1 Team’s Reserve Driver and his attitude to learn the ropes in that role has been very pleasing to see.

“His main priority remains finishing his Formula 2 campaign in the best possible way in Abu Dhabi, however, we look forward to supporting him in the two Free Practice sessions and having his contribution to the team’s performance.”

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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.