F1: Doohan set for Alpine FP1 outings in Mexico, Abu Dhabi

BWT Alpine F1 Team announced that Reserve Driver and Alpine Academy member Jack Doohan will take over driving duties in the A523 for Free Practice 1 at next weekend’s Mexico City Grand Prix and the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

As part of the team’s two mandatory rookie practice sessions Jack will drive Pierre Gasly’s A523 for Friday’s Free Practice 1 at the 4.304km Autodromo Hermanos Rodrigues in Mexico City. He will then head out in Esteban Ocon’s car in November at the Abu Dhabi season finale at the Yas Marina Circuit.

The 20-year-old Australian has previously participated in two F1 rookie Free Practice sessions, having driven last year’s BWT Alpine F1 Team challenger in Mexico City and Abu Dhabi in 2022. As a member of the Alpine Academy Jack has extensive experience in Formula 1 machinery having regularly tested the race winning A521 across his Reserve Driver test program this season at a host of Formula 1 venues alongside duties on race team support on the team’s Enstone simulator during race weekends.

Currently competing in the 2023 FIA Formula 2 Championship, Jack claimed back-to-back race wins in Hungary and Belgium as well as a further two podium appearances and one pole position to sit fourth in the Drivers’ Championship. Looking ahead to the final round in Abu Dhabi in November, Jack has his sights set on a top three finish in the 2023 Championship.

Jack Doohan, BWT Alpine F1 Team Reserve Driver: “It is a huge honor to be given the opportunity to drive a Formula 1 car on a Grand Prix weekend for the second year in a row. 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. 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: “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.”