Piastri to take the wheel in Abu Dhabi test
奥斯卡Piastri holds a sign reading 'best work experience ever' while standing outside the Alpine garage. Qatar, November 2021.
Alpine have confirmed that Oscar Piastri will make his F1 testing debut during the post-season Young Driver Test in Abu Dhabi.
The current F2 Championship leader Piastri, a member of the Alpine Academy, is preparing to take on the role ofreserve driverwith the team for 2022.
Before that though he has important business to attend to, firstly securing the F2 title inAbu Dhabi, and then getting behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car for the first time when he represents Alpine in the traditional Young Driver Test after the final Formula 1 race weekend of the season.
Speaking to the Alpine website, Piastri said: “I’m very excited to drive in the Young Driver Test.
“It’s almost like my first official day in my new job for next year when I become the team’s reserve driver.
“Any day in an F1 car is pretty special but to drive the current one with other drivers on track in a somewhat competitive environment is very cool. Thanks to the team for this opportunity, I’m certainly looking forward to it and working through a very full testing programme on the day.”
I can’t waithttps://t.co/5CNJgDkEAS
— Oscar Piastri (@OscarPiastri)December 7, 2021
Alpine CEO Laurent Rossi added: “Oscar has had a fantastic Formula 2 season this year, again showing his class, and this Young Driver Test appearance is well earned.
“This test will be part of Oscar’s ongoing development as he prepares to become the team’s reserve driver for 2022, to aid and assist Fernando [Alonso] and Esteban [Ocon] and our development teams on and off the track.”
Piastri will not be alone though in testing duties for Alpine at Yas Marina Circuit, as both Alonso andOconwill also be present.
Alpine’s current and 2022 driver pairing will be in action on Pirelli’s 18-inch tyres to be introduced from 2022, using the Renault R.S.18.
“In parallel, as Oscar gets up to speed with the current car, we will already be looking forward to 2022 with our current drivers as they experience the new 18” tyres for next year,” Rossi confirmed.
“It’s a good opportunity for us to learn in preparation for the challenges of the next year on all fronts.”
