Carl Bingham/Motorsport Images
F2 leader Piastri named Alpine reserve driver for 2022
Oscar Piastri will have to settle for a reserve role in 2022 even if he wins the Formula 2 championship, after being promoted to become Alpine’s reserve driver.
The 20-year-old Australian won the Formula 3 title as a rookie last season, and after staying with Prema for the step up to F2 he currently leads the championship by 36 points on Guanyu Zhou. However, with fellow Alpine academy member Zhou securing the last race seat on the 2022 grid at Alfa Romeo, the French constructor has given Piastri its reserve role for next season.
“I’m super excited to be joining Alpine F1 Team as reserve driver,” Piastri said. “I’m looking forward to being much more involved with the team and contributing to its intended success next season. The Reserve Driver role is the next step towards my aim for a race seat in 2023, which is very exciting.
“I’ve proved myself in the junior formulas over the last couple of years and feel like I’m ready for Formula 1 now. Along with the trackside experience at race weekends, we will put together a substantial test program in order to keep developing myself to grow even more prepared for a race seat.
“I’m very thankful to Alpine for their support. We’ve enjoyed two very successful seasons together in the Academy and I’m grateful for the faith they’ve put in me for this next step with an eye on a bigger future. My focus now is finishing the Formula 2 Championship in the best possible way with Prema and I’m looking forward to being back in the car and pushing hard on track.”
https://twitter.com/OscarPiastri/status/1460489841527898114
Piastri’s role will see him undertake “an extensive testing program” and Alpine CEO Laurent Rossi says the team will use 2022 to try and ensure he is as prepared as possible for any future promotion to a race seat.
“Oscar’s natural talent is clear to see, so we’re very proud and privileged to have him as part of our team as our reserve driver from next year,” Rossi said. “Not only does Oscar have the on-track skills, as demonstrated over the last couple of years in the junior categories, but also the maturity and composure that makes him really stand out from the rest.
“At Enstone he has been a real asset to the team as he has aided the simulator and testing program and I am certain he will continue to do so in his new role. The next step will be to consistently attend grands prix to fully integrate with the race team, learn what is expected of an F1 driver and be ready for when the opportunity comes.
“In addition, we look forward to having Oscar’s input and expertise in driving the team forwards next year. Oscar’s graduation highlights the success of our Alpine Academy and underlines its strength as one of the best young driver programs in motorsport. We look forward to seeing our young talents continue to blossom through the years to come.”
Of Alpine’s current driver line-up, Fernando Alonso’s contract expires at the end of 2022, while Esteban Ocon signed a new three-year deal earlier this season.
Presented by:
Chris Medland
While studying Sports Journalism at the University of Central Lancashire, Chris managed to talk his way into working at the British Grand Prix in 2008 and was retained for three years before joining ESPN F1 as Assistant Editor. After three further years at ESPN, a spell as F1 Editor at Crash Media Group was followed by the major task of launching F1i.com’s English-language website and running it as Editor. Present at every race since the start of 2014, he has continued building his freelance portfolio, working with international titles. As well as writing for RACER, his broadcast work includes television appearances on F1 TV and as a presenter and reporter on North America's live radio coverage on SiriusXM.
Read Chris Medland's articles
Latest News
Comments
Comments are disabled until you accept Social Networking Cookies. Update cookie preferences
If the dialog doesn't appear, ad-blockers are often the cause; try disabling yours or see our Social Features Support.