Alpine junior, Victor Martins is set to make his F1 Test debut at Autodromo Nazionale Monza, Italy on 8 May.
Martins this season is competing in F2 with ART GP, where he currently lies 15th in the standings despite having claimed two podium finishes plus one pole position in four rounds, although he was disqualified from the Azerbajan Feature Race due to a breach of Technical Regulations.
The Frenchman’s testing opportunity also comes at the same circuit where he clinched last season’s F3 title in a bizarre climax to the season finale, which saw his title confirmed in the pit lane following application of time penalties after a red flag ultimately led to the race not being resumed.
Speaking about this opportunity to return to the scene of his F3 title but this time testing in F1 machinery, Martins said: “I am super excited to get my first taste in a Formula 1 car in Monza on Monday.
“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.”
Martins also described his simulator work ahead of this test as “exciting” but is “just looking forward to getting out on track and maximise the opportunity to learn as much as possible.”
Alpine Academy Director, Julian Rouse added that he is “looking forward” to seeing Martins test in a F1 car for the first time.
Rouse added that now feels like “definitely the right moment to see him test in an F1 car”, as he pledged to continue supporting Martins’ development and providing testing opportunities when available.
Martins’ fellow Alpine junior, Jack Doohan will also participate in the test, taking over the reins from Martins on Tuesday 9 May, before both drivers head to Barcelona, Spain for F2’s in-season test across 10-12 May.
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