Doohan to drive Ocon’s car during first practice in Canada

Alpine have announced that reserve driver Jack Doohan will take Esteban Ocon’s place during Friday’s opening free practice session at the Canadian Grand Prix.

Under the sport’s current regulations, each F1 team must run a rookie – by definition a driver who has started two or fewer Grands Prix – in two FP1 sessions each campaign.

READ MORE: Alpine announce they will part ways with Ocon at end of 2024 season

Doohan has made four practice appearances as an Alpine junior so far, getting his first experiences in Mexico and Abu Dhabi in 2022 and making further outings at the same venues in 2023.

"Really excited to get out on track in Montreal for FP1," said Doohan on his FP1 opportunity in Canada. "It will be my first time driving at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, which I am looking forward to.

"I am grateful to the team for the opportunity to get more track time, and also familiarise myself with 2024 machinery early in the season. This will also help with the work I am doing in the simulator, particularly at the European rounds.

"My focus will be on doing the best for the team and maximising the session for both drivers, looking at certain test items and understanding the new track surface.

ANALYSIS: What next for Esteban Ocon and Alpine after his exit?

A former FIA Formula 3 runner-up and the third-placed driver in last year’s F2 standings, the Australian’s latest run comes as he pushes to secure a full-time F1 seat with Alpine.

Alpine announced on the eve of this weekend’s Montreal event that they will part ways with Esteban Ocon at the end of the current campaign, ending a five-year collaboration.

It means that at least one seat is available at the Renault-backed operation for next season, with incumbent Pierre Gasly’s place beyond 2024 yet to be confirmed.

In addition to his four FP1 outings and simulator duties at Enstone, Doohan has completed several test sessions with Alpine over the last couple of years – the latest coming in their 2022-spec A522 at Zandvoort last month.

Doohan is the son of former 500cc motorcycle world champion Mick, who told Sky Sports F1 at the Monaco Grand Prix “we’re pushing” for a Grand Prix debut and that all the 21-year-old can do is “keep his head down and see what happens”.

READ MORE: ‘We are not robots’ – Ocon confirms he will race in Canada and hits out at ‘abuse’ following Monaco crash