Alpine will give its reigning Formula 3 champion Victor Martins his first Formula 1 test at Monza on Monday.
Martins will drive the team’s A521 car from the 2021 season, with fellow Formula 2 racer and Alpine reserve driver Jack Doohan to take the wheel on Tuesday.
Alpine frequently puts on private tests in older F1 machinery for its academy drivers, giving Doohan his first test in Qatar one year ago alongside then-reserve driver Oscar Piastri. Doodan had further such opportunities during the year, with Olli Caldwell – now racing in sportscars – also getting his first test at Silverstone last June.
“I am super excited to get my first taste in a Formula 1 car in Monza on Monday,” Martins said. “It will be the first time I will work closely with the Alpine team at a track and to be able to have my first opportunity in an F1 car with them is pretty special. I aim to get a lot of track time and enjoy it all.
“I am really grateful to get this first chance thanks to Alpine and all the team. I have had my seat fit and we have completed some simulator work for it, which is all very exciting. Now I am just looking forward to getting out on track and maximise the opportunity to learn as much as possible.”
Martins has been part of the academy setup at the Enstone team since the start of 2018, with the exception of 2020 when he won the Formula Renault Eurocup title to earn a recall to the programme.
He made a bright start to his rookie F2 campaign this year, finishing on the podium in the sprint races in Bahrain and Jeddah, where he also qualified on pole position. He has not scored points since then, however, leaving him 15th in the standings.
“We are looking forward to having Victor test in the A521 in Monza and giving him his first run in a Formula 1 car,” said Alpine Academy director Julian Rouse.
“He has spent time in Enstone preparing for his test, running in the simulator, and having his seat fit. During his time in the Alpine Academy he has had some fantastic achievements, one of which being the current FIA Formula 3 Champion. Now he has progressed to Formula 2 and showing huge potential there it is definitely the right moment to see him test in an F1 car. We are pleased as an Academy to continue to support Victor in his development and extend opportunities when they arise.”