Leading Esteban Ocon replacement confirms private Alpine test at Silverstone next week

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A leading contender to replace Esteban Ocon at Alpine in 2025 has now confirmed he is set to enjoy a two-day private test at Silverstone before the Hungarian Grand Prix.

One seat is up for grabs in Enstone next season after Alpine decided to part ways with Ocon after five years. It was decided the best option for the Renault-owned outfit was to confirm the 27-year-old will depart at the end of his contract before giving Pierre Gasly a fresh deal.

Alpine had both of their drivers out of contract at the end of the 2024 season and have only opted to retain Gasly. It leaves a seat free in Enstone with a handful of drivers in the mix for Ocon’s drive. Carlos Sainz is on Alpine’s radar, while reserve driver Jack Doohan is an option.

Jack Doohan confirms private Alpine tests at Silverstone, Imola and Spa

According to reports by Auto Motor und Sport in June, Doohan also emerged as Alpine’s first choice to replace Ocon. The Enstone squad are also striving to run him at various Grand Prix tracks to prepare Doohan for a Formula 1 drive. But they will not make a final decision soon.

The Gold Coast native forced his name into the discussions in Enstone as Doohan impressed Alpine with his performances in previous tests. He spent two days at Zandvoort testing their A522 in May and even got behind the wheel of the A524 at the Canadian GP and British GP.

READ MORE: Who is Alpine reserve driver Jack Doohan? Everything you need to know

Now, Doohan has stated that he will drive Alpine’s 2022 car again at Silverstone ahead of the Hungarian GP. A two-day run in the A522 will kick off a frantic Testing of Previous Car (TPC) programme which features additional outings at Imola and Spa, along with a Pirelli tyre test.

“Yeah, more TPC days planned after Goodwood,” Doohan told Speedcafe. “I’ll have two days in Silverstone in an A522 before Budapest. Then after Budapest and before Spa, I’m in Imola, then a Pirelli tyre test at Spa, as well, and the day before that I’ll be in an A522 there.”

Jack Doohan has a great chance to prove he is ready to replace Esteban Ocon

Alpine’s 2022 car – the A522 – became eligible for Formula 1’s TPC programme this season. Ocon sealed eighth place in the drivers’ championship racing the A522 as Fernando Alonso took it to ninth. Ocon also scored 92 points in it but took 58 in 2023 and has three this year.

READ MORE: F1 2025 driver line-up with every team’s confirmed entry for the grid

Doohan could put himself in a great position to secure a 2025 Formula 1 seat for Alpine with his TPC programme. The pinnacle of motorsport breaks up for a summer break following the Belgian GP, at which point Enstone chiefs are likely to seriously consider who replaces Ocon.

Impressing at Silverstone, Imola and Spa over the next two weeks could be enough to tempt Alpine to promote Doohan. It is likely the 21-year-old’s best chance to prove to the Renault-owned squad that he is ready after Alpine and Doohan decided to sit out any racing in 2024.