Alpine allow Paul Aron to complete two FP1 sessions for another F1 team

14:26, 30 Jun

byLuke-John Buckle

Paul Aron is Alpine's reserve driver, but the French team will allow the young driver to build mileage for another team.

The Estonian has had a superb junior career and challenged for the championship in Italian F4 and FRECA.

Aron is embedded within the Alpine team as the second seat, alongside Gasly, continues to look less than certain. Valtteri Bottas may be in the mix as he sits on the sidelines this year.

There may be no open seats at Alpine for the foreseeable future, therefore, Aron will compete in two FP1 sessions for Sauber.

He will drive this weekend at the British Grand Prix and the final round before the summer break in Hungary.

This is part of a driving services agreement, as Sauber doesn't have a driver eligible for FP1 in their ranks to complement Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto.

Aron's FP1 outings will fulfil the Swiss team's rookie Free Practice outing prior to the break after the Hungarian Grand Prix.

The Estonian said ahead of his first FP1 outing: “I am very pleased to be given the opportunity to have valuable track time in Formula One, so thanks to BWT Alpine Formula One Team for coming to this arrangement."

Aron's Sauber deal only consists of the two FP1 sessions

As it stands, Aron's agreement with Sauber is only made up of driving in two first practice sessions for Sauber. He will also continue as Alpine's reserve while driving for Sauber.

He continued: "It is no secret that my desire is to one day race full-time in Formula One so any chance to be on track in a competitive environment is an important stepping stone.

"While I continue to focus on my development with Alpine, I do look forward to the two sessions with Stake F1 Team KICK Sauber and giving my maximum effort to them at Silverstone and Budapest.”