Alpine has introduced a driving companies settlement with Sauber that may have reserve driver Paul Aron participate in FP1 on the British Grand Prix for the Swiss group.
Aron was named one in all Alpine’s reserves final yr in direction of the top of a Method 2 title problem racing for Hitech – the group part-owned by the then-Alpine group principal Oliver Oakes. The Estonian drove through the Abu Dhabi post-race take a look at and has accomplished six days in a 2023 automotive as a part of Alpine’s testing of earlier automotive (TPC) program, however has but to function in an FP1 session.
That may change this weekend at Silverstone – in addition to on the Hungaroring in July – however will probably be for Sauber moderately than Alpine, following an settlement between the 2 groups that provides Sauber entry to Aron’s companies.
“It’s in our pursuits to maximise any driving alternatives for our younger expertise, so it’s good to have an settlement with Sauber for Paul to drive in Free Apply 1 in Silverstone and Budapest,” Alpine govt director and appearing group principal Flavio Briatore mentioned.
“We’re seeing different success from final yr’s Method 2 drivers this yr up and down the grid, and Paul was a entrance runner in that class, so this is a chance for him and the group to proceed his progress and to provide him worthwhile observe time.”
Aron may even perform three FP1 periods for Alpine between now and the top of the season, with the group having solely run Ryo Hirakawa at Suzuka to date this yr. That may give Aron a complete of 5 outings throughout 2025, as Alpine assesses its choices for its 2026 driver lineup.
“I’m more than happy to be given the chance to have worthwhile observe time in Method 1, so because of BWT Alpine Method One Workforce for coming to this association,” Aron mentioned. “It’s no secret that my want is to at some point race full-time in Method 1 so any probability to be on observe in a aggressive surroundings is a vital stepping stone.
“Whereas I proceed to concentrate on my improvement with Alpine, I do look ahead to the 2 periods with Stake F1 Workforce KICK Sauber and giving my most effort to them at Silverstone and Budapest.”
