As Formula 2 enters its summer break, Oscar Piastri is filling his time by getting behind the wheel of an F1 car once again as the 20 year old took part on the first of a two day test this week, 2nd August, around the famous Italian track for the Alpine Formula 1 team.

Off the back of his F1 test at Silverstone followed by a successful Formula 2 weekend at the British venue, the Alpine Academy driver was awarded his third outing in the R.S.18 at Autodromo Nazionale Monza. As part of the Enstone based team’s ongoing commitment to the academy, the two-day test was the Australian’s second outing in the 2018 car alongside Guanyu Zhou this season as the team prepares their junior drivers for a potential future in Formula 1.

This preparation has been enhanced by the cleverly thought out track selections by the Alpine F1 Team as their Academy driver has now had the opportunity to test both ends of an F1 car’s capabilities. With the high downforce Silverstone layout followed by Monza’s low downforce setting, Oscar is being well steered on his road to F1.

Arriving on Monday under glorious conditions, the Formula 2 championship leader was set for a great day around the temple of speed. The young Melburnian made the most of his time back in the cockpit, an excellent opportunity to further his F1 familiarisation. It was also a chance to spend time with the Alpine team, who themselves were in a jubilant mood after their debut F1 victory.

Oscar Piastri – “It was awesome to get back into the RS18 here at Monza. Another different experience compared to Silverstone. Definitely felt the sensation of speed which was really really cool. Also given the track is so historic and very old school, the fact the walls are still quite close and not much run off, it was a little bit more daunting in an F1 car but I loved every second of it and I really learnt a lot so very happy.”

Mark Webber - “It’s my first time watching Oscar drive the F1 car here at Monza. It’s always a nice feeling to see a driver go through the new experiences and to experience the brutality of these Formula 1 cars is unique. He thoroughly deserves it of course, he’s been performing extraordinarily well. One of the hottest properties in junior racing in the world right now.”

Mia Sharizman, Alpine Academy Director – “It’s always positive to be testing here and to be in a Formula 1 car. It is positive to be able to test any car at a circuit. Especially when it’s a bit of an odd season for Formula 2 where there is a big break. A racing driver always needs to be in the car and for him that’s a positive.”

After 4 rounds, Piastri tops the F2 standings by 5 points from Zhou at the half way point. The Prema Racing driver will return to Monza in September for round five of the FIA Formula 2 championship and the home race for the Italian team.