Alpine is in the midst of a revolution, after a series of farewells it was also the turn of Esteban Ocon who will leave the team at the end of the season. The team's or Ocon's plans are not yet clear. However, this weekend Alpine will give Jack Doohan the opportunity to take to the track in an official session, taking Ocon's place in FP1 in Canada.
Doohan replacing Ocon, line-up tests in Alpine?
Even before Ocon's departure was made official, his presence in Canada had been questioned. The main source of the discussion was linked to the contact with Pierre Gasly in Monaco. A contact that could have been avoided. Especially given the difficulties in reaching the points zone. Despite the denials about a possible exclusion from the Canadian GP, a few days later Alpine announced its separation from Ocon whose contract was expiring in 2024.
When announcing the plans for Doohan, team principal Bruno Famin made no reference to the connection with what happened in Monaco or to the possible replacement in 2025.
“In Canada, we decided to use the mandatory Free Practice 1 for young drivers, with Jack Doohan in the car instead of Esteban, giving him the opportunity to get behind the wheel of the A524,” said team principal Bruno Famin.”
Doohan: “Happy to hit the track in Montreal”
Doohan, who is focusing exclusively on reserve and simulator driver duties for Alpine this year, said he was happy to be able to hit the track in Canada.
“I'm really excited to hit the track in Montreal for FP1,” said Doohan. “It will be the first time I drive on the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve and I can't wait. I am grateful to the team for the opportunity to have more track time and also to familiarize myself with the 2024 bikes at the start of the season. This will also help me with the work I am doing in the simulator, particularly in the European races. My aim will be to do what's best for the team and maximize the session for both drivers, looking at some elements of the testing and understanding the new track surface."
Source statements: RacingNews365
