Wrapping up the F1 teams’ challengers’ unveilings for the upcoming 2023 season with the unveiling of Alpine’s A523, it has been confirmed that Formula 2 driver Jack Doohan will be the Enstone-based-team’s reserve driver alongside Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly.
The Australian will fulfill his duties as the team’s third driver while racing in his second season in F2 with Virtuosi Racing, a team with which he achieved three wins last season and a sixth-place finish in the drivers’ championship.
The Australian showed excitement and commitment looking forward to his main activities as the team’s reserve driver, as the 20-year-old said:
“The role has many different paths. I have to be prepared in any circumstances in case one of the drivers cannot race for whatever reason. In that sense, I have to make sure I am prepared and ready for anything that might happen. More generally, it’s about keeping a close eye on the team and the drivers to help maximize the race weekend. I’ll be doing a lot of simulator sessions at Enstone and a few days of testing in an old car to keep up with the Formula 1 machinery.”
He also commented on working alongside the French driver pairing this 2023 year, and assured: “I am very excited.”
“It’s a very strong line-up for the team. They will both provide solid data and help develop a fast race car together with the team. As for me, I want to gain as much experience as I can from both of them throughout the year. I started working more closely with Esteban last season, especially in preparation for my two FP1 outings. I don’t know Pierre, so it will be good to welcome him to the team and learn things from him”.
The Gold Coast driver made his Grand Prix debut in Mexico City in November, where he drove Esteban Ocon’s A522 in Free Practice 1, followed by his second FP1 outing. He then had his second FP1 outing in Abu Dhabi before driving for the team in the post-Abu Dhabi test. He is now assuming the reserve driver role after joining the team’s Academy program last year.
Photo: Alpine F1 Team
