Formula 1: China’s Zhou Guanyu to drive F1 practice session at Austrian GP
- ‘A dream coming true,’ says 22-year-old, ‘another step closer to my ultimate goal of becoming an F1 driver’
- Formula 2 leader will be first Chinese to take practice session since Ma Qinghua at 2013 Shanghai GP
“Zhou, currently Test Driver for the team and Alpine Academy member since 2019, will be handed his F1 weekend debut for the first practice session of the event, taking Fernando Alonso’s A521 for the duration of the one-hour practice,” they said in a press release.
The current Formula 2 leader expressed his delight at the opportunity.
“Driving in FP1 at a Formula 1 Grand Prix weekend is like a dream coming true and another step closer to my ultimate goal of becoming a Formula 1 driver,” the 22-year-old Shanghai native said via Alpine.
“It’s going to be a very special moment. I’m preparing myself as much as I can to be ready and also ensure that I’m able to complete all the targets and plans that the team have set me to do. There have not been many Chinese drivers in Formula 1, so to be behind the wheel of an F1 car during a race weekend is going to be a very proud feeling.
“It’s going to be even more special that I’m driving Fernando’s car as he inspired me to pursue a career in racing when I was young. I’m very happy with my achievements so far and I’m very thankful for the support I have from those around me. My aim is to maximise this opportunity and I’m really looking forward to it.”