Doohan to replace Ocon during FP1 in Canada
Thursday, 6 June 2024
The Alpine reserve driver will take the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve.
Coincidence or not, it was announced by Alpine overnight that Jack Doohan would be driving during Practice 1 at the Canadian Grand Prix this weekend.
Doohan will be replacing Esteban Ocon on Friday’s free practice, which is a requirement on teams to have a rookie in two practice sessions across a season.
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This won’t be Doohan’s first practice session as an Alpine driver, having driven an F1® car on four separate occasions during a Formula 1® weekend.
"[I’m] Really excited to get out on track in Montreal for FP1," said Doohan.
"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.”
Even though Doohan has been involved in practice sessions before, Ocon announcing his departure from the team at the conclusion of the season, is sure to add to the pressure on the young Australian.
Alpine has not yet decided on who will drive for the team next season, with several drivers out of contract and looking for a drive.
Pierre Gasly’s future at the team remains unconfirmed, with several other high-profile drivers also shopping around for a 2025 driver.
Doohan would have to be in high consideration for the seat, with the Renault-backed operation wanting to prove the viability of their young driver program.
Doohan has completed several test sessions with Alpine over the last couple of years – the latest coming in their 2022-spec A522 at Zandvoort last month.
Set your alarms, as Practice 1 will take place at 3:30 am (AEST) on Saturday morning for Australians.
Click here for the start times for each session at the Canadian Grand Prix.
