F3 champ Martins to make F1 test debut with Alpine

Alpine Academy driver and reigning Formula 3 champion Victor Martins will get his first taste of Formula 1 machinery next week when he tests Alpine’s race-winning A521 car at Monza.

Martins will join Alpine’s F1 reserve driver Jack Doohan for the test in Italy, with the Frenchman taking driving duties on Monday and Doohan running in the car on Tuesday.

“I am super excited to get my first taste in a Formula 1 car in Monza on Monday,” said Martins. “It will be the first time I will work closely with the Alpine team at a track and to be able to have my first opportunity in an F1 car with them is pretty special. I aim to get a lot of track time and enjoy it all.”

Twenty-one-year-old Martins re-joined the Alpine Academy in 2021 and stepped up to Formula 2 this season. He qualified in second place on debut in Bahrain, reaching the podium in the sprint race there before going on to grab pole position and another podium in Saudi Arabia.

“I am really grateful to get this first chance thanks to Alpine and all the team,” he continued. “I have had my seat fit and we have completed some simulator work for it, which is all very exciting. Now I am just looking forward to getting out on track and maximise the opportunity to learn as much as possible.”

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Julian Rouse, Alpine Academy Director, added: “We are looking forward to having Victor test in the A521 in Monza and giving him his first run in a Formula 1 car. He has spent time in Enstone preparing for his test, running in the simulator, and having his seat fit.

“During his time in the Alpine Academy he has had some fantastic achievements, one of which being the current FIA Formula 3 Champion. Now he has progressed to Formula 2 and showing huge potential there it is definitely the right moment to see him test in an F1 car.”

Before that, Alpine’s primary concern will be securing points in this weekend’s Miami Grand Prix, with both Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly having failed to score in the last two rounds.

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