Drugovich set for FP1 run with Aston Martin at Mexican GP

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Aston Martin F1 reserve driver Felipe Drugovich will enjoy his first outing onboard the team’s 2024-spec car in Friday’s opening practice at this month’s Mexican Grand Prix.

Drugovich will take to the track in the session at the wheel of Fernando Alonso’s car before the Spaniard returns to his mount for FP2.

While it will be the 2022 FIA Formula 2 Champion’s first outing in Aston’s AMR24, the Brazilian is well acquainted with the team’s current contender, having helped develop the design through his extensive simulator work at Team Silverstone’s Technology Campus.

Drugovich’s outing at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez will also partially fulfil Aston Martin’s mandatory requirement to run a rookie driver in at least two FP1 sessions during the year.

Read also: Aston Martin F1 significantly reduces loss for fiscal year 2023

"I'm really excited to drive the AMR24 for the first time — I've been looking forward to it for a while!” commented the 23-year-old.

“I've spent a lot of the year working on the development of this car in the team's simulator, so it will be valuable for me to feel the correlation between the sim and the real thing.

“Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez is a track I haven’t driven before. It’s a challenging circuit with a mix of long straights and technical corners, so I’ll be spending time on the simulator ahead of the event so that I’m ready to go come FP1.”

Aston Martin team principal Mike Krack added: “We're excited to give Felipe this first opportunity to drive the AMR24 during Free Practice One in Mexico City.

“Felipe is regularly in Silverstone on our simulator, contributing towards the development of this car with his detailed and thoughtful feedback, so it will be a rewarding experience for him to get out on track in Mexico.

“During the session, Felipe will be working his way through the team’s run plan, collecting vital data to support our decision-making throughout the rest of the weekend and aiding with the set-up of the car.”

In addition to his reserve and test duties this year in F1 with Aston Martin, Drugovich has also competed in the European Le Mans Series with LMP2 outfit Vector Sport.

The talented Brazilian also recently tested IndyCar machinery, enjoying a day of running with Chip Ganassi Racing at Barber Motorsports Park.

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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.