Alpine’s young drivers to get F1 experience at the Festival of Speed

Alpine’s F1 reserve driver Jack Doohan will be joined at the event by current Formula 2 racer Kush Maini and Formula 3 driver Sophia Floersch, both of whom are members of the Alpine Academy. They’ll all be jumping into the cockpit of Alpine’s E20 F1 car that Kimi Räikkönen took to victory at the 2012 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The E20 last appeared at the Festival of Speed in 2019, and now makes its return five years later at the hands of three exciting young talents.

Maini, who is currently eighth in the F2 standings, only recently had his first full day of testing an F1 car. He was given the chance to drive Alpine’s 2022 A522 at the Red Bull Ring in Austria, and he will be the first to guide the E20 up the Hill on Thursday 11^th and Friday 12^th July.

“I am excited to run in the E20 at the Goodwood Festival of Speed for BWT Alpine F1 Team,” he said. “To have another go in an F1 car, after my test in Spielberg, will be brilliant, particularly one with such a successful record.”

It will then be Doohan’s turn for a run up the Hill in the E20 on Saturday 13^th July, something his family are familiar with. “My Dad has ridden up on a MotoGP bike,” Doohan said. “I am hoping I will be able to get one or two tips from him on what to expect. I cannot wait to meet all the fans who come along, it will be a mega day.”

Finally, Floersch, who became the first woman to score points in F3 with a seventh place finish in the feature race at Spa-Francorchamps in 2023, will go up the Hill on Sunday 14^th July for what will be her first ever experience of driving an F1 car. “To have my first time in an F1 car at such a historic event as Goodwood will make it extra special,” she said. “I hope it is the first of many!”

Alongside its F1 activities, Alpine will also be showcasing several of its road cars at the Festival of Speed. The long awaited Alpine A290, the French brand’s first electric car, will be making its UK dynamic debut as part of First Glance presented by heycar.

Only Thursday general admission tickets remain, with Friday, Saturday, and Sunday tickets now sold out, although a limited number of hospitality packages for all days are still available. Tickets and packages can be purchased from £70.