The Doohan name returns to top-tier racing as the son of 5-time MotoGP world champion Mick Doohan will make his debut with F1 machinery. Jack Doohan, who currently drives for Virtuosi Racing, is currently sitting in fourth place in the F2 Championship.
Doohan has had the chance to test older F1 machinery
Alpine has been really generous towards the 19-year-old. He has previously driven the 2021 car on test days at Qatar, Monza, and Budapest. Furthermore, the Australian got his first taste of the 2022 Alpine A522 on a 100km filming day at Monza. However, this was on demonstration tires, and can’t be really considered representable.
“I’ll work hard on the day, do everything the team sets out and, at the same time, enjoy the moment as I know it’s going to be a unique opportunity.”, said Doohan, when asked to comment on the great news.
After the mandatory pleasantries about Doohan, Alpine Team Principal Otmar Szafnauer said: “It’s important to give our young drivers opportunities to test Formula 1 cars and our Academy program has proven to be successful in doing just that.”
Our comments
What we would like to comment on that is that it is not only important to give your young drivers chances to test F1 machinery. It would also be good for them to get a shot at a drive. And not be fooled around, because you can’t decide between them, and your current driver.
Unless Alpine wants to lose Jack Doohan like his fellow Australian, Oscar Piastri, the team needs to step up its game and be more decisive. Other than that, they are really one of the teams that take great care of their driver’s academy.
