Drugovich confirms he will drive for Aston Martin in FP1 at Abu Dhabi

Felipe Drugovich has confirmed he will drive the Aston Martin car during the first free practice session of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The Formula 2 champion was announced as the team's new reserve driver last month.

Aston Martin announced in September that Drugovich will become the first driver in the team's new development programme. The Brazilian signed the contract just hours after his F2 title victory.

Drugovich will replace Nico Hulkenberg as reserve driver, who is rumoured to be a candidate for the second seat at Haas for 2023. The F2 champion confirms that he will already be in action for the team during a practice session this year, though. "I’m going to be in Abu Dhabi", he says in conversation with Sky Sports. The young driver will not only take part in the first free practice session there but also in the Young Driver test after the Grand Prix.

Drugovich: 'Prepare me for a possible future F1 seat'

Drugovich is aware that many other reserve drivers have more experience, but he is motivated by this very fact to learn quickly. "I’m very excited for this. I think it’s something that’s really going to prepare me for maybe getting a seat in the future. I think I deserve it and I’m really looking forward to being as prepared as I can to make that count."

"I’ve seen these guys [other reserve drivers], they’ve been testing a lot and preparing themselves so for sure they are going to be on it from the first race next year. I’ll try to be on the same page.”