F2 racer Jack Doohan to drive FP1 in Mexico City and Abu Dhabi for Alpine

Formula 2 racer Jack Doohan will make his Formula 1 race weekend debut at the Mexico City Grand Prix when he drives Alpine’s A522 in opening practice.

The 19-year-old, who is part of Alpine’s Driver Academy, will tackle the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Esteban Ocon’s car. He will get a second outing in FP1 in the season-ending Abu Dhabi GP.

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Mexico will be the second time the Australian has sampled 2022-spec machinery, having completed the permitted 100km of running on demonstration tyres during the team’s filming day at Monza last month.

Doohan, son of five-time 500cc motorcycle world champion Mick, has also tested last year’s Alpine this season through test days in Qatar in May, Monza in June, and Budapest in September.

“I’m extremely grateful to Alpine for giving me this opportunity to drive in Free Practice in Mexico,” said Doohan. “It’s always a huge honour to be entrusted to drive a Formula 1 car, so to have the opportunity on a Grand Prix weekend is very special.

“Ultimately, the aim is to be doing this every week and this experience is another step closer to achieving that goal. I’ve prepared as best as I can, and I think it’s going to be very exciting to experience the car at this type of circuit with the high altitude and very high top speed.

“I’ll work hard on the day, do everything the team sets out and, at the same time, enjoy the moment as I know it’s going to be a unique opportunity.”

Team Principal Otmar Szafnauer added: “We are very pleased to announce Jack will join the team in Mexico and take over driving duties for Free Practice 1. We have all been impressed with Jack’s progression across many areas this season and he’s deserving of this chance as we continue to nurture his high potential.

“It’s important to give our young drivers opportunities to test Formula 1 cars and our Academy programme has proven to be successful in doing just that. We expect Jack to work hard during the session and take as much as he can from the experience of being involved in a Formula 1 Grand Prix weekend.”

Doohan is currently fourth in his debut season in F2, the Australian having stepped up a class after finishing second in F3 in 2021.

He’s won three races this season, plus scored three further podiums and three pole positions and is in the hunt to claim third in the standings and the accolade of top rookie with one round to go in Abu Dhabi.

Doohan is Alpine’s most high-profile junior driver following the departure of F2 champion Oscar Piastri, who will make his F1 race debut alongside Lando Norris at McLaren next year.

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