Alpine has announced that reserve driver Jack Doohan will replace Esteban Ocon during the opening practice hour at this weekend’s Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix.
Doohan has served as Alpine’s reserve since 2023 and participated in FP1 sessions in Mexico and Abu Dhabi last season, along with the annual post-season test.
The current FIA rules stipulate that each full-time race driver must give up one FP1 to provide a rookie driver who has started no more than two grands prix an outing.
Alpine will complete the first of its two requirements in 2024 at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve as Doohan gets the chance to drive the team’s A524 car for the first time.
The Australian driver, who’s the son of motorcycle legend Mick Doohan, is considered a contender to replace the departing Ocon at the Enstone-based squad in 2025.
“In Canada, wwe have decided to use the first mandatory young driver Free Practice 1, with Jack Doohan in the car in place of Esteban,” Alpine boss Bruno Famin said.
“With Jack’s great work in the simulator in recent races, we can count on his valuable feedback in Montreal.”
Doohan added: “Really excited to get out on track in Montréal for FP1. 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.”
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