Another Australian racing prodigy is set to receive his first taste of motorsport’s top level, with Jack Doohan – son of Aussie motorcycle legend Mick – jumping into the cockpit of an F1 car for the first time this weekend.
The Alpine Academy driver – who currently sits 17th in the Formula 2 driver standings after three rounds – has been named to take part in the team’s testing session at the Losail International Circuit in Qatar.
The appointment sets up an all-Australian driver line-up for Alpine with compatriot Oscar Piastri having also taken part.
READ MORE: Violent fans booted from Suncorp Stadium
READ MORE: Norman’s rebel league claims biggest victim yet
READ MORE: AFL’s ‘ridiculous’ crackdown causes mayhem
Preparing for a permanent place on the grid in 2023, Piastri previously tested in Austin in April, and will also take part in a third test in Austria later this year.
The call up is a major step in Doohan’s promising career, after he finished second in the Formula 3 championship last year.
“I’m super excited to drive a Formula 1 car for the first time,” the 19-year-old said.
“This is a moment that I’ve been building up to ever since I started racing karts, and I know these opportunities are extremely privileged.
https://twitter.com/jackdoohan33/status/1525217721486823424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
“I’m very grateful to Alpine for the opportunity and I’m looking forward to giving it my best on the test day.
“I’ve watched behind the scenes at some private tests before and I’ve completed a lot of preparation in the loop simulator at Enstone, so I’m definitely feeling ready for this challenge.
“I’ll build myself up on the day, enjoy it at the same time and hopefully learn as much as possible alongside the team.”
For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here!