Aron and Maini to drive Alpine A525 in Abu Dhabi

Aron, who drove FP1 for the team at Monza and Mexico City, will replace Pierre Gasly in Friday’s session. It will be his third FP1 of the year and his fifth Formula 1 outing of the season, returning to the Yas Marina Circuit where he first drove an F1 car in last year’s post-season test. Alpine confirmed that his development work continues as part of the team’s long-term evaluation of young talent.

Maini will drive the A525 in Tuesday’s post-season Young Driver Test following the completion of the Formula 2 weekend. It will be his first appearance in modern Formula 1 machinery in an official session. The Indian driver has already conducted extensive work in Alpine’s Testing Previous Cars programme and in the simulator as part of the Alpine Academy, before his role was expanded earlier this year to include Test and Reserve duties.

Aron commented: “I am looking forward to being back behind the wheel of the A525 this weekend in Abu Dhabi for my third Free Practice session with the team, and fifth of the season. The performances in Monza and Mexico City were very positive for my personal development as a driver and I’m looking forward to building on that for a final time this year.

"I really enjoyed the opportunity to take part in the post-season test at this track last year, a very fond memory for me as it was my first time in a Formula 1 car, and I am grateful to the team for giving me this latest opportunity again in Abu Dhabi. I will do my best to help set up a successful race weekend for the team," Aron added.

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 1 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.”

Alpine Sporting Director 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 1 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 1 opportunity. I am looking forward to seeing how they perform in their respective sessions at Yas Marina," added Nielsen.