Aston Martin is set to give Alonso his first taste of the green car during the tire test in Abu Dhabi. It will commence on the Tuesday after the season finale. Like last year, teams will have to field a junior driver. This time, however, they need to field a second car, which will be running the final 2023 Pirelli tire test.
Alonso, the evergreen
A couple of years ago, Alonso was the center of attention in this very test, as he participated as one of the “young drivers”. Being everything but a rookie, he topped the test in what was then called the Renault F1 team.
He should be able to drive for half a day before passing duties to Lance Stroll – his new teammate. Interestingly, it is understood that Fernando asked Alpine for permission to go to his new team himself. On the other hand, the French team has not yet given that to their protege – Oscar Piastri, after the saga with McLaren.
Felipe Drugovich is set to drive the other Aston Martin in the test
The current Formula 2 champion, Felipe Drugovich is expected to get behind the seat of the second AMR22 in the post-season junior driver test. In fact, he is booked to drive the AMR21 – last year’s car, in Silverstone tomorrow.
By the way, Aston Martin looks to use his services in FP1 before the actual race in Abu Dhabi. To make this possible, the Brazilian needs to complete at least 300km of experience with the AMR21. Should there be no issues in Silverstone, this can be done pretty quickly, as it equals a racing distance.
