Paul Aron will get another chance to make his mark in Formula 1 this weekend, with Alpine handing its reserve driver the keys to Pierre Gasly’s A526 for Friday opening practice session at Monza.
The Estonian rookie is becoming a familiar face in F1 practice sessions this season, but his latest outing comes with an added responsibility.
Aron will climb aboard an Alpine that has recently benefited from an upgrade package, giving him the opportunity to provide a fresh perspective on the latest developments while Gasly watches from the sidelines.
Ready for another Alpine audition
Aron has already driven the A526 in Hungary, where he replaced Franco Colapinto, while his wider 2026 programme has also included outings for Audi in Barcelona and Austria.
With Formula 1 requiring every team to give rookie drivers at least four practice opportunities during the season, Friday's session will complete Alpine's required quota.
For Aron, however, the exercise is about considerably more than ticking a regulatory box.
“I am looking forward to driving again in Free Practice 1 with the team this weekend," said Aron.
"I am grateful to the team for giving me the opportunity to get back behind the wheel so soon. I was very pleased with my session in Budapest, and I hope to build on it this time around, particularly helping the team compare our latest upgrade package which I have driven in the simulator.
"It's going to be a busy weekend for me as I'll be on the simulator at Enstone on Friday night to further help the team fine tune the set-up before returning to the track on Saturday. I'll give it my all to hopefully assist the team in having a successful weekend.”
It means Aron's Friday will not end when he climbs out of Gasly's car. He will head back to Alpine's Enstone base that evening to continue working in the simulator before returning to Monza for the remainder of the weekend.
Gasly has unfinished business at Monza
Gasly, meanwhile, will have to wait until FP2 before beginning his Italian Grand Prix weekend – a minor inconvenience at a circuit that holds enormous significance for the Frenchman.
His Monza connection is particularly strong. Milan is his adopted home, the circuit is one of F1's most evocative venues, and, most importantly, it was where Gasly produced the defining moment of his career by claiming his maiden Grand Prix victory in 2020.
“I always love Italian Grand Prix week for a number of reasons," said the Frenchman.
"Firstly, Milan is where I live so I get to spend the week at home, which is always a bit of a luxury given how often we travel. So, in some way, it is a bit of a 'home' race for me!
"Secondly, I love the track. It's one of the most famous in Formula One and known for its out-and-out speed, big braking zones and some amazing corner combinations.
"And, finally, of course, it is where I won my first Formula One race back in 2020. A memory which will for sure last a lifetime and something I reflect on regularly.
“We go to Monza feeling positive after scoring some points in Zandvoort. The upgrade package worked well and I know we probably left a bit on the table last time out which we want to put right this weekend. I'm excited for it and I am feeling hungry to add more points in our championship fight.”
Read also: Alpine keeps faith with Colapinto as 2027 line-up takes shape
While Gasly waits for his first laps, Aron will have the opportunity to put Alpine's latest package through its paces.
For the young Estonian, it is another valuable F1 audition; for Alpine, it could provide some useful information before Gasly takes over and begins the serious business of chasing more points at a circuit he knows exceptionally well.
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