Aston Martin test driver Felipe Drugovich will make his inaugural outing in a Formula One weekend, driving in FP1 at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix next week, the team confirmed Thursday.
Following a private test with Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula One Team (AMF1), held last week in Silverstone, Brazilian driver Felipe Drugovich has secured a Super Licence to drive in the first free practice session of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
The Formula 2 reigning champion completed more than 300km of running in the AMR21 F1 machinery, earning the testing mileage required to secure a Super Licence.
“It is amazing to have my first experience with a Formula One car. I learned a huge amount, and we did all the necessary work and mileage to be ready for Abu Dhabi,” Drugovich said after the run in Silverstone.
“The performance of the car was so impressive; the smoothness of the gearshifts, for example, and the lateral grip means you can carry so much speed into the corners.
“I really enjoyed the day; it was my first chance to start working properly with the team at the track.”
Watch here Felipe running a Formula One car for the first time in his career.
Last September, Drugovich joined the British outfit, becoming the first member of the AMF1 Driver Development Programme, which aims to serve as a stairway for junior drivers to reach the pinnacle of motorsport.
In addition, the 22-year-old will share driving duties with Formula E World Champion Stoffel Vandoorne, who in 2023 will combine a Formula E-Formula 1 program.
The young Brazilian will take over Lance Stroll’s car in Abu Dhabi and then, during the season-ending ‘Young Drivers Test’ staged on Tuesday at the Yas Marina Circuit, following the Grand Prix.
“Felipe did an excellent job during his Silverstone test session. He quickly adapted to the car and the changing conditions and was on the pace after just a handful of laps,” Mike Krack, AMF1 Team Principal, outlined.
“It is always exciting to see a young driver complete their first laps in a Formula One car, and Felipe really made the most of the opportunity.
“He is an intelligent driver, worked well with the engineering team, and impressed us with his professionalism, performance, and feedback.”
In 2019, Drugovich completed his single season in Formula 3 with Carlin, and the following year, he moved on to join Formula One feeder series, the FIA Formula 2 championship.
A successful campaign in 2022, driving for the Dutch team MP Motorsport, led him to…
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