Aston Martin’s Reserve and Test Driver Stoffel Vandoorne was back in a Formula 1 car for the first time in three years on Wednesday, completing a two-day Pirelli tyre test at Spa-Francorchamps.
Vandoorne was announced as part of Aston Martin’s reserve lineup last November but has had to wait until now to get his first taste of the AMR23, following the conclusion of his Formula E campaign with DS Penske.
Belgian native Vandoorne completed 53 laps around a soaking wet Spa circuit and was delighted to be behind the wheel of an F1 car once again, despite the inclement weather.
“It was great to be back in an F1 car today driving the AMR23,” said Vandoorne, whose last F1 running came back in 2020.
“It’s been a while and it was also my first time driving in green with Aston Martin.
“To do it at Spa was also very special for obvious reasons despite the wet weather.
“We ran on Wet tyres in the morning and then as conditions improved into the afternoon we ran through the programme on the Intermediate tyres.
“The car felt good even in these wet conditions and I enjoyed every lap.”
Vandoorne took over testing duties on Wednesday from Lance Stroll, who had kicked off the two-day test on Tuesday.
The Canadian’s outing was also marred by a continuation of the rain that was seen throughout the grand prix weekend, with Stroll proceeding to log 71 laps overall.
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