Jack Doohan gets first F1 drive in Qatar test
Alpine Academy driver Jack Doohan will drive a Formula 1 car for the first time as part of a private test in Doha.
Jack Doohan will get his first Formula 1 drive in Qatar. (Alpine)
Doohan will join Alpine's F1 reserve driver and fellow Australian Oscar Piastri as part of a three-day test at the circuit.
“I’m super excited to drive a Formula 1 car for the first time," said Doohan.
"This is a moment that I’ve been building up to ever since I started racing karts, and I know these opportunities are extremely privileged."
"I’m very grateful to Alpine for the opportunity and I’m looking forward to giving it my best on the test day."
"I’ve watched behind the scenes at some private tests before and I’ve completed a lot of preparation in the loop simulator at Enstone, so I’m definitely feeling ready for this challenge."
"I’ll build myself up on the day, enjoy it at the same time and hopefully learn as much as possible alongside the team.”
Oscar Piastri in the Alpine 521 in Doha. (Alpine)
Piastri drove on Wednesday and Thursday in Qatar with Doohan to jump in the 2021 A521 on Sunday.
“It’s been a productive two days of testing in Qatar where I’ve continued getting to grips with the A521 Formula 1 car" said Piastri.
"It was very hot across both days but that’s good for physical preparation."
"The track has largely been unused recently, so there were varying levels of grip and the conditions were quite dusty and windy throughout."
"It was a challenge at times, but important for me to learn about driving in different conditions."
Piastri now heads to Barcelona for the Spanish grand prix next weekend.
"I’m looking forward to joining the F1 Team again in Barcelona and Monaco before my next private test day in June.”
Alpine says Piastri's "intense testing programme" will continue later in the year.
