Author: Barkha Roy
Aston Martin is preparing for an exciting twist at the Italian Grand Prix, as Felipe Drugovich, the team’s test and reserve driver, is ready to step back into the spotlight. The Brazilian driver, who just secured the Formula 2 title last year at Monza, is ready to take the wheel of the AMR23 during Friday’s first practice session. This announcement comes after his previous performance as a replacement for the injured Lance Stroll during pre-season testing at the Bahrain International Circuit.
Drugovich’s in-depth knowledge of Aston Martin’s competitor for 2023 was cultivated mainly through his participation in pre-season testing. It’s worth noting that he made his training debut with the team during the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi last year. Throughout the year, he diligently honed his skills on the simulator and even tackled the AMR21 of the 2021 season on renowned tracks such as Silverstone, Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya and the Red Bull Ring.
Exuberant, Drugovich conveyed his expectations, saying: “I can’t wait to get back behind the wheel of the AMR23. The car made an impressive impression on me during pre-season testing, and the prospect of experiencing its advances first-hand is fascinating.” He highlighted his great familiarity with the intricacies of the F1 vehicle and articulated his intention to capitalize on this insight to provide indispensable feedback to the group.
The enthusiasm for this imminent collaboration resonated with Aston Martin team boss Mike Krack. He praised Drugovich’s key role in the pre-season testing phase and resolutely affirmed the squad’s commitment to optimizing their performance during the next session at Monza.
Significantly, Drugovich’s participation underlines Aston Martin’s unwavering dedication to looking after its rookie drivers. The team has meticulously crafted a tailor-made program designed to equip Drugovich with the indispensable skills and acumen needed to thrive in the upper echelons of motorsport. This strategic initiative reflects the squad’s deep investment in the continuous development of this young driver.
As the pieces of this compelling puzzle come together, Monza is set to serve as a key chapter in Drugovich’s narrative. The session promises a perfect collaboration with the group’s engineers and mechanics, contributing not only to his personal growth as a driver, but also providing others with key insights to perfect their strategies.
In his farewell reflections, Drugovich summed up his feelings succinctly, expressing: “This occasion is also a splendid platform for me to showcase the knowledge I’ve gained from my testing regime. Since Bahrain, I have accumulated substantial mileage in an F1 car, which allows me to articulate even more valuable feedback for the team’s improvement.“