MOTORSPORT: Piastri joins the big boys in F1

Oscar Piastri is about to get his first full-scale introduction to Formula 1 on the same Abu Dhabi racetrack where this year’s world title will be decided.

After a series of private hit-outs with the Alpine team, Piastri will join the Young Driver Test that traditionally puts a full stop at the end of the grand prix season.

It will also be his first run in the race-winning Alpine A521 that has been driven this season by Fernando Alonso and Esteban Ocon, and he will face a number of leading drivers as they complete a Pirelli tyre test at the same time.

The next step in Piastri’s F1 grooming comes after he was confirmed as Alpine’s reserve driver for season 2022 and he heads towards victory in the FIA Formula 2 championship, which will also be decided at the Yas Marina circuit this weekend.

Piastri has scored five F2 wins this year and has a nearly-unbeatable 51.5-point break on his closest challenger, his PREMA Racing team-mate Robert Shwartzman.

“Any day in an F1 car is pretty special but to drive the current one with other drivers on track in a somewhat competitive environment is very cool,” said Piastri.

“It’s almost like my first official day in my new job for next year when I become the team’s reserve driver.

“Thanks to the team for this opportunity, I’m certainly looking forward to it and working through a very full testing program on the day.”

The F1 track time will not distract from his attempt to win three FIA titles in consecutive years, following championships in FIA F3 and Renault Eurocup.

“This test will be part of Oscar’s ongoing development as he prepares to become the team’s reserve driver for 2022, to aid and assist Fernando and Esteban and our development teams on and off the track,” said Alpine CEO Laurent Rossi.

“In parallel, as Oscar gets up to speed with the current car, we will already be looking forward to 2022 with our current drivers as they experience the new 18-inch tyres for next year.

“It’s a good opportunity for us to learn in preparation for the challenges of the next year on all fronts.”