Piastri ramps up F1 experience with two-day Qatar test

Oscar Piastri has undertaken a test in Qatar, driving Alpine’s 2021 Formula 1 car, as he continues to gather experience in the championship.

The Australian has agreed to an extensive test programme with the French manufacturer this year, as part of his reserve driver role with the team.

Piastri also holds a reserve role with McLaren, after Alpine reached an agreement with the Woking-based squad earlier this year.

Piastri has been associated with Alpine for a handful of years, and won back-to-back titles in Formula 3 and Formula 2 in 2020 and 2021.

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However, his junior success failed to land him an immediate seat in F1, forcing him to watch the 2022 F1 campaign from the sidelines.

The test this week was completed at the Losail International Circuit, which hosted the Qatar Grand Prix in 2021.

Piastri previously sampled Alpine’s 2021 car at the Circuit of the Americas, Austin, between Formula 1 rounds in Australia and Italy last month.

“It’s been a productive two days of testing in Qatar where I’ve continued getting to grips with the A521 Formula 1 car,” he said.

“It was very hot across both days but that’s good for physical preparation. The track has largely been unused recently, so there were varying levels of grip and the conditions were quite dusty and windy throughout.

“It was a challenge at times, but important for me to learn about driving in different conditions. I’m looking forward to joining the F1 team again in Barcelona and Monaco before my next private test day in June.”

Piastri is due to have more test outings with Alpine this year, the next scheduled for Austria in June, as well as two FP1 sessions with the team.