Jack Doohan tested by Alpine in addition to the Pirelli run at Spa this week

Aston Martin, which had already announced the participation of Stoffel Vandoorne in Pirelli tire tests at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit, will be joined by the Alpine team on Tuesday, July 30, and Wednesday, July 31, 2024.

For this special occasion, it is Esteban Ocon who will take the wheel of the single-seater accompanied by Alpine reserve driver Jack Doohan.

An important test for driver data

These two tests will be decisive not only to evaluate the compounds of the Pirelli 2025 tires, but also to allow drivers an opportunity to train on one of the most demanding circuits of the calendar. The Spa-Francorchamps circuit, located in Belgium, is renowned for the wear it causes on the tires, as the track features slow corners, straight lines, and fast corners. This circuit is an ideal terrain to analyze the performance and durability of Pirelli rubbers.

Trials of this kind are not a first this year, with Oliver Bearman and Pietro Fittipaldi having already participated in similar tests at Silverstone or at Ferrari in Le Castellet. This time, Esteban Ocon will be joined by Jack Doohan on the circuit in Belgium.

Unlike Ocon, a regular driver at Alpine who will drive the A524, young reserve driver Jack Doohan will test the 2022 car, the A522. These tests are part of Alpine’s young driver development program. This initiative will allow his skills to be assessed, as well as ensure that he receives training to maintain his performance while he is without a seat this year.

Jack Doohan, candidate for a spot at Alpine.

Pierre Gasly, already confirmed for next year at Alpine, is still looking for his teammate for 2025. Despite persistent rumors about a possible arrival of Carlos Sainz, the Spanish driver has finally decided to join Williams next season. This decision leaves a vacancy at Alpine, which Jack Doohan, reserve driver, could well fill.

Doohan, who has already driven for the team during test and free practice sessions, seems interested in Alpine as he is a reserve driver for a second year, despite not driving since leaving F2 last year. Rumors are circulating about his future, especially as he was seen in discussion with Carlos Sainz’s manager in Formula 1. This could be evidence that the driver already has some initial leads for a seat.

Although no official information has yet been confirmed, it can be certain that Alpine will closely monitor the young driver’s performance during these tests. For now, nothing has been shared regarding the tires used for the Pirelli test, but the tests by Aston Martin and Alpine should provide necessary information for the improvement of future tires.

Getting ready for the last run of the day ⏩ pic.twitter.com/2iod7pf1Wh

— BWT Alpine F1 Team (@AlpineF1Team) July 30, 2024

Testing those tyres 🛞 pic.twitter.com/htv5NoWD3n

— BWT Alpine F1 Team (@AlpineF1Team) July 30, 2024