Alpine enjoys trouble-free filming day in Bahrain with A525

©Alpine

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Alpine put its new-spec A525 F1 car through its initial paces on Monday in Bahrain where the French outfit enjoyed a trouble-free filming day.

Pierre Gasly and rookie Jack Doohan split the 200km shakedown, squeezing every ounce of action out of the limited-running session under the warm Middle-Eastern sun, with no problems to report.

The Enstone-squad will be back in action on Wednesday morning, with Doohan entrusted with the day’s first run, with Gasly taking over in the afternoon.

Back On Track

“It is a great feeling to be back on track and driving the A525 for the first time,” commented Gasly.

“Congratulations to everyone who has contributed to this car and all the hard work that has gone into preparing this season.

“It is only a shakedown, limited running, so it’s not like we are driving the car at its full potential but the initial feeling felt smooth and I am just looking forward to getting going and having a proper run later this week for official pre-season testing.

“I must say, the new colours look really cool so I hope everyone enjoys seeing the A525 in action.”

A First for Doohan

Doohan was equally satisfied with his run and can’t wait to get into the grind on Wednesday at Sakhir.

“It is my first time driving a shakedown day so a great experience, especially driving on track with the filming vehicles!” the Aussie said .

©Alpine

“The car felt good so thanks to everyone at Enstone and Viry-Châtillon for their time and dedication in getting ready for 2025.

“I know Pierre and I are really excited for Wednesday and beginning pre-season testing. It will be three busy days where we have many things to run through in order to develop the A525 ahead of the season start.”

A Head Start

Alpine team principal Oliver Oakes noted the importance of gaining an early advantage before things get real later this week.

“Despite the overcast and strong gusts of wind, we have had a good day’s running in Bahrain with 200km completed split evenly between Pierre and Jack,” said Oakes.

“It is important to give them a first go each and allow them both to have a first feeling at the wheel ahead of a busy three days of testing later this week.

“There are certainly multiple areas of interest for us to keep learning and progressing and we look forward to continuing the hard work beginning on Wednesday with Jack driving the morning and Pierre the afternoon.”

Read also:

Gasly: Alpine should ditch 2025, go all-in on 2026

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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.