Aston Martin sign Felipe Drugovich, planning 2022 GP appearance

Thomas Maher
Aston Martin's Felipe Drugovich, September 2022.

Aston Martin's Felipe Drugovich, September 2022.

新ly-crowned Formula 2 champion Felipe Drugovich will kit out in green for Aston Martin before the end of the 2022 season.

Aston Martin have announced the Brazilian racing driver will join their driver development programme, becoming their first signing.

Drugovich, who was crowned 2022 Formula 2 champion during the Italian Grand Prix weekend, was not part of any team’s junior programme, with Aston Martin springing to sign the unaffiliated driver to their ranks.

Aston Martin intend to run Drugovich during a practice session before the end of the 2022 season, taking the wheel of Lance Stroll’s AMR22 for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Felipe Drugovich: Aston Martin is a fantastic opportunity

Drugovich put pen to paper with Aston Martin on the day of his title victory andwill officially serve as a reserve driverfor Aston Martin from now on.

However, there is no chance of a full-time race seat just yet as Aston Martin will fieldLance Strollalongsidenew signing Fernando Alonsofor 2023.

Following this season, Drugovich will drive in November’s Young Driver Test at Yas Marina before embarking on an extensive test programme with the 2021 car during the 2023 season.

“Becoming a member of the AMF1 Driver Development Programme is a fantastic opportunity for me – and only adds to what has been an extremely enjoyable and successful 2022 season,” Drugovich said in the team’s official press release.

“Winning in Formula 2 has long been regarded as the best possible launchpad into a career in Formula 1, and I see my role at AMF1 as giving me all the tools to take that crucial next step.

“对我来说,2023年将是李尔王ning curve. I will be working with the F1 team, but my primary goal is to learn and develop as a driver.

“I hope that will give me an opportunity to race in F1 in the future.”

Team owner Lawrence Stroll welcomed the Brazilian to his squad and revealed his pride at setting up a junior programme for Aston Martin’s F1 organisation.

“I am hugely proud to have inaugurated the AMF1 Driver Development Programme,” he said.

“I am a big believer in rewarding young talent and this is a fantastic way to help develop the next generation of racing drivers.

“We have watched and admired Felipe’s path to success in Formula 2 this year and we aim to provide him with all the skills and experience necessary to be able to take the next step in his career.

“In the fullness of time, it would be the ultimate validation if he were to become a Formula 1 driver, joining the great pantheon of Brazilian racing drivers such as Emerson Fittipaldi and Ayrton Senna.”

Aston Martin Felipe Drugovich

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