Alpine’s reserve driver Jack Doohan will take over Esteban Ocon’s car in the first practice session for the Canadian Grand Prix this weekend.
The team announced earlier this week Ocon will leave them at the end of the year and Doohan is considered one of the candidates to replace him. Alpine will fulfil one of its two obligations to run an inexperienced driver in its cars by giving Doohan the opportunity.
Doohan said he’s “really excited to get out on track in Montreal for FP1. It will be my first time driving at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, which I am looking forward to.”
The 21-year-old spent the last two seasons racing in Formula 2 but is not racing this year. He previously appeared as Alpine’s junior driver in the first practice sessions for the Mexican and Abu Dhabi rounds in 2022 and 2023.
He will have his first run in the team’s A524 chassis this weekend. “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,” Doohan continued. “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.”
Alpine confirmed Ocon’s impending departure from the team after his collision with team mate Pierre Gasly on the opening lap of the last round in Monaco. Ocon apologised for the collision.
“A lot has been said in recent days, so I am very much looking forward to driving again and getting back out on track,” said Ocon, who is yet to confirm who he will drive for in 2025.
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2024 Canadian Grand Prix
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