Son of a gun Jack Doohan gets F1 gig in rare all-Aussie line-up

The son of an Australian motorsports legend has taken another step towards the big time as he got the chance to drive an F1 car.

Jack Doohan got the chance to drive a Formula 1 car for the first time.

A Formula One team had a rare all-Australian line-up, at least for a few days of mid-season testing this weekend.

Jack Doohan, son of Aussie MotoGP legend Mick Doohan, got his first chance to drive a F1 car as part of Alpine’s testing at Losail International Circuit in Qatar.

Watch Every Practice, Qualifying & Race of the 2022 FIA Formula One World Championship™ Live on Kayo. New to Kayo? Try 14-Days Free Now >

Also joining him was Alpine’s reserve F1 driver Oscar Piastri, who is continuing his testing program with Alpine this year.

It is a significant milestone for Doohan, who was thrilled at the opportunity to get behind the wheel of a F1 car.

“I’m super excited to drive a Formula 1 car for the first time,” the 19-year-old said.

“This is a moment that I’ve been building up to ever since I started racing karts, and I know these opportunities are extremely privileged.

“I’m very grateful to Alpine for the opportunity and I’m looking forward to giving it my best on the test day.

Jack Doohan with MotoGP legend dad Mick. (AAP Image/Dave Hunt)

Doohan got his first chance to drive a Formula 1 car. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

“I’ve watched behind the scenes at some private tests before and I’ve completed a lot of preparation in the loop simulator at Enstone, so I’m definitely feeling ready for this challenge.

“I’ll build myself up on the day, enjoy it at the same time and hopefully learn as much as possible alongside the team.”

Doohan is currently racing in F1’s feeder competition Formula 2, where he has had a difficult start to the season, having only scored six points in three rounds.

Super excited to be hopping into the #A521 with @AlpineF1Team for my first F1 test in Qatar! Can’t wait to learn as much as possible while enjoying the experience. Cannot thank everyone at Alpine enough for this opportunity 😁 pic.twitter.com/P8ssX0XfzG

— Jack Doohan (@jackdoohan33) May 13, 2022

He joined Piastri at the test in Qatar, with his fellow Aussie young gun completing two days of testing during the week.

Piastri has previously tested in Austin, Texas in April and will take part in a third test in Austria later this year.

Last year, the 21-year-old won the Formula 2 championship in dominant fashion to clinch his third junior title in as many years.

But there wasn’t a spot available for him on the F1 grid, as Alfa Romeo opted for Chinese driver Zhou Guanyu instead.

That is likely to change in 2023, with all signs pointing to Piastri joining the big leagues at Alpine, or alternatively at Haas or Williams while Fernando Alonso continues to show good form for the French-based team.