The Aston Martin team that Fernando Alonso will race with next season announced this Monday. The newly crowned Formula 2 World Champion Felipe Drugovich will be the first member of the Driver Development Programme.
Brazilian, 22 years oldwon five races this season He signed a contract with Aston Martin to clinch the 2022 FIA Formula 2 Championship at Monza last weekend and on the day he won the title.
The Driver Development Program was designed in conjunction with AMF1 engineers and management and aims to provide a ladder for drivers. Young drivers are entering Formula 1.
As a member of the program, Drugovich will be one of the team’s reserve drivers. Aston Martin’s intention is to take part in the 1st FP at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (replacing Lance Stroll) and also take part in the junior drivers test at the Yas Marina circuit in November.
“This is a great opportunity for me.and only contributes to an extremely enjoyable and successful 2022 season. Winning in Formula 2 has long been viewed as the best possible starting ramp for a Formula 1 career, and I see my role at Aston Martin as giving me all the tools to take this important step.”
Mike Krack, director of Aston Martin, signed his signature “a incredible talent, determination and consistency to win this year’s FIA Formula 2 Championship. I especially remember their amazing win in Barcelona in May, which was extremely impressive.”
The brand’s CEO, Lawrence Stroll, hopes that Drugovich will eventually join “the big pantheon of Brazilian racing drivers like Emerson Fittipaldi and Ayrton Senna.”