Paul Aron Set for Alpine FP1 Debut at Monza

Why it matters:

Alpine is fulfilling its mandatory rookie FP1 sessions for the 2025 season, providing crucial experience to a key reserve driver. This also marks Paul Aron's first official race weekend appearance with the team, signaling his growing integration.

The details:

• Paul Aron, Alpine’s reserve driver, will take the wheel of Franco Colapinto’s A525 for the opening free practice session at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza.
• This marks Aron's first official race weekend appearance with the Enstone-based team.
• It is the second of Alpine’s four mandatory rookie FP1 sessions ahead of the 2025 season. Previously, only Ryo Hirakawa, who is no longer affiliated with Alpine, had an FP1 outing for the team.
• The 21-year-old Estonian expressed his excitement: "I'm looking forward to getting behind the wheel of the A525 for my first Grand Prix weekend appearance with the team in Monza."
• This will be his third overall FP1 session, having previously driven for Sauber at Silverstone and the Hungaroring earlier this year.
• Aron stated his goal is to "help set up the car for the whole weekend and be in the best position to have a competitive race weekend from the outset." He aims for a "productive session for both me and the team."

What's next:

Pierre Gasly is expected to miss two more final FP1 sessions this season, with Aron likely filling those slots as well. This will provide him with further opportunities to gain experience and contribute to the team’s weekend preparation.