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Doohan happy with Alpine rumours: 'More motivation to perform'

Doohan happy with Alpine rumours: 'More motivation to perform'

24-09-2022 17:25 Last update: 25-09-2022 03:57
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GPblog.com

Jack Doohan is extra motivated to perform well by rumours that he is a candidate for a Formula One seat at Alpine. Doohan says he does not feel any extra pressure and so can actually enjoy the moment more.

Alpine still has one seat to give away for 2023 and there are several candidates. For now, Pierre Gasly seems to be on his way to the French formation, although Alpine Academy driver Doohan is also mentioned. The young Australian is having a good year in Formula 2. With one race weekend to go, he is fourth in the championship. Doohan has won three times and can still claim a super licence due to his current position in the standings.

Now the only question that arises is whether Alpine will give Doohan that seat. CEO Laurent Rossi recently indicated that he would rather put the juniors with a team with less pressure first and then let them make the switch to Alpine. This is similar to the situation surrounding Oscar Piastri, who, according to Alpine's plans, was supposed to join Williams for two seasons first and then could get a full seat at Alpine in 2025. The Australian did not like this scenario and entered talks with McLaren, where Daniel Ricciardo 's seat was vacated for Piastri.

Motivation

Doohan himself is happy to hear his name mentioned in the rumour mill about the seat at Alpine. "To be honest, I'm happy about it because there is talk and I definitely want to do well," he says in conversation with Formula 1. "I know there are rumours, so for me it's motivation to work hard."

The Australian says he is fine with taking fourth place with a car that can finish fourth. That there are many rumours about a possible move to Formula 1 does little to Doohan. "I'm not really under pressure so I can just enjoy what I do, and I love that. So I can fulfil my potential and really enjoy this moment."