Flavio Briatore

Alpine announces new driver for FP1 in Monza

14:53, 03 Sep

bySamson Ero

Ahead of the upcoming Italian Grand Prix, the Alpine team has announced Paul Aron will make his debut with the team at the Monza Circuit.

The Enstone-based outfit detwialed the 21-year-old will drive the team’s A525 car during the first practice session at the ‘temple of speed’.

The Estonian driver who is part of the team’s driver academy is expected to replace Franco Colapinto during FP1 at the Grand Prix. The Argentine will, however, continue the rest of the weekend with the team at the circuit.

While the outing at Monza will mark Aron’s first outing on the circuit in the colours of Alpine, it is worth noting that the former F2 driver has previously participated in the Formula 1 rookie test with the Sauber team during the British Grand Prix as well as at the Hungarian Grand Prix.

Paul Aron speaks ahead of his Alpine debut

Paul Aron also reacted to the news of his debut with the Alpine outfit. The reserve driver detailed how pleased he was about getting behind the wheel of the A525 car. He also stressed how he aims to impress with his outing and gather the necessary experience.

“I'm looking forward to getting behind the wheel of the A525 for my first Grand Prix weekend appearance with the team in Monza. I've got to know everyone really well since I joined at the end of last year as Test and Reserve Driver and appreciate the trust the team has given me to drive in Friday's Free Practice 1.”

“I'm aiming to do as good a job as possible to help set up the car for the whole weekend and be in the best position to have a competitive race weekend from the outset. Personally, it will be great to build on the experience I've gained from the simulator and testing opportunities. I'll make sure I use this to have an enjoyable and productive session for both me and the team.”