Alpine has announced that Formula 2 driver Kush Maini will drive in the post-season Abu Dhabi test which will mark the first time that he appears in a modern F1 machinery.
Ahead of this weekend’s season-ending race in Abu Dhabi, Alpine have announced Kush Maini will drive in the post-season Abu Dhabi test which will mark the first time that he appears in a modern F1 machinery.
Following the race weekend, Kush Maini will take part in Tuesday’s post-season Young Driver Test, following the conclusion of the Formula 2 race weekend, for his first appearance in modern Formula One machinery in an official Formula One session.
The Indian driver has previously driven in Alpine’s Testing Previous Cars [TPC] programme and simulator as part of his role in the Alpine Academy. His position was expanded earlier in the year to become one of the team’s Test and Reserve Drivers, bolstering further the pool of driving talent within the team.
Reflecting on the announcement, Maini said: “I can’t wait to take part in the post-season Abu Dhabi test and to have my first proper experience of the A525. The Yas Marina Circuit is one I know well from Formula 2 and it will be impressive to see the level of performance Formula One cars have around this track.
“I’m very appreciative of the team for trusting me in this role and will aim to do the best job possible with the programme the team gives me,” Maini concluded.
Explaining Alpine’s decision, Steve Nielsen said: “The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend presents an excellent opportunity to call on our Test and Reserve drivers and to allow them all-important seat time in a modern Formula One car.
“Both Paul and Kush have worked hard this season, especially during our simulator and TPC programmes to be prepared and ready for any Formula One opportunity. I am looking forward to seeing how they perform in their respective sessions at Yas Marina.”