Gasly and Doohan complete Alpine A525 shakedown in Bahrain

Pierre Gasly and Jack Doohan shared driving duties in the Alpine A525, each covering part of the French team’s 200km-restricted programme as they prepared for pre-season testing at the Bahrain Grand Prix venue.

Gasly described his first laps in the A525 as an exciting moment, though he acknowledged the limitations of shakedown running: “It is a great feeling to be back on track and driving the A525 for the first time. Congratulations to everyone who has contributed to this car and all the hard work that has gone into preparing this season.

"It is only a shakedown, limited running, so it’s not like we are driving the car at its full potential, but the initial feeling felt smooth and I am just looking forward to getting going and having a proper run later this week for official pre-season testing. I must say, the new colours look really cool, so I hope everyone enjoys seeing the A525 in action," added Gasly.

For Doohan, the session was his first experience of a shakedown day in Formula 1 machinery. The Australian relished the opportunity, particularly given the unique experience of sharing the track with filming vehicles.

Doohan reported at the end of the day: “We have had a good first day on track here in Bahrain, and I am sure everyone at the team feels really excited to be back and ready now to start the season. It is my first time driving a shakedown day, so a great experience, especially driving on track with the filming vehicles!

"The car felt good, so thanks to everyone at Enstone and Viry-Châtillon for their time and dedication in getting ready for 2025. I know Pierre and I are really excited for Wednesday and beginning pre-season testing. It will be three busy days where we have many things to run through in order to develop the A525 ahead of the season start," added Doohan.

Team Principal Oliver Oakes commended the team’s efforts in getting the car ready for its maiden run, highlighting the importance of both drivers getting an early feel for the A525 before testing begins: “It is always a moment of pride when a new car goes on track for the first time."

Oakes added: "Well done to everyone at Enstone and Viry-Châtillon for their hard work in developing the A525 ahead of this season. Despite the overcast and strong gusts of wind, we have had a good day’s running in Bahrain with 200km completed, split evenly between Pierre and Jack.

“It is important to give them a first go each and allow them both to have a first feeling at the wheel ahead of a busy three days of testing later this week. There are certainly multiple areas of interest for us to keep learning and progressing, and we look forward to continuing the hard work beginning on Wednesday with Jack driving in the morning and Pierre in the afternoon," concluded Oakes.

Alpine will now turn its attention to official pre-season testing, which begins on 26 February. Doohan will take to the track first on Wednesday morning before Gasly runs in the afternoon and on Thursday morning. The Australian will return to the cockpit on Thursday afternoon and Friday morning, with Gasly concluding the test on Friday afternoon.