F1 News
Test and reserve driver Doohan temporarily replaces Ocon in Montreal
- Ludo van Denderen
Jack Doohan replaces Esteban Ocon at Alpine during the first free practice in Montreal for the Canadian Grand Prix, the team announced. The Australian will therefore not drive the Grand Prix on Sunday, although Bruno Famin - Alpine's team boss - reportedly threatened to let Doohan compete in the race as well after Ocon's incident in Monaco.
Teams must give a rookie a chance in a FP1 twice a season. Alpine has chosen to field Doohan in Canada. Later in the season, the youngster is likely to feature a second time during a FP1 session. Doohan last drove a free practice session for Alpine in Abu Dhabi last year. Ocon will return to the car in FP2 and complete the rest of the weekend.
Doohan looks forward to the session
Doohan is excited about the opportunity. "Really excited to get out on track in Montréal for FP1. 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," he said.
Alpine have also announced that Esteban Ocon is leaving after the season. Doohan is a leading candidate to replace him. The team has been busy this season preparing Doohan for an eventual entry into Formula 1.
This article was written in collaboration with Sophia Crothall.