Felipe Drugovich inaugurates Aston Martin young driver program

The horizon is brightening for Felipe Drugovich. Crowned champion of Formula 2 FIA 2022 last weekend at Monza, the Brazilian did not seem to have an outlet in Formula 1.

The MP Motorsport driver assured that he was going to do everything to invite himself to the big table. It now has a folding seat.

Aston Martin announced this Monday that it had launched a development program intended for young talents. The first member is none other than Drugovich (22 years old). The Auriverde rider will be one of the British manufacturer's reserves, a role currently occupied by Nico Hulkenberg.

Drugovich will also ride in Free Practice 1 at the 2022 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in place of Lance stroll. He will also be on deck for the young driver tests organized on the Yas Marina track after the F1 curtain falls.

The F2 champion will also benefit from an intensive testing program at the wheel of the Aston Martin AMR21 lined up for 2021.

« This is a fantastic opportunity for me, logically enthuses Drugovich, who signed his contract on the day of his title. This only makes the 2022 season even more enjoyable! Winning F2 has always been seen as an ideal stepping stone to F1.

I am confident that my role at Aston Martin F1 will give me all the tools necessary to take the next step in my journey. 2023 will be a season of learning. I will work with the F1 team, but my main objective will be to develop as a driver. I hope this will give me the opportunity to drive in Formula 1 in the future ».

« Felipe demonstrated incredible talent and unwavering determination to win F2 this season, greeted Mike Krack, Aston Martin team principal. I particularly remember his victory in the Sprint and Main Race in Barcelona last May. It was really impressive ».

« I am very proud to inaugurate the AMF1 young pilot development program, concluded Lawrence Stroll, boss of Aston Martin. This is an exceptional opportunity to help develop the next generation of drivers ».

Deprived of a national representative since the retirement of Felipe Massa at the end of 2017, does Brazil finally have its future pilot? We will have to wait at least another year but Drugovich deserves credit for getting his foot in the door.

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