Lundgaard tests Alpine’s R.S.18 at Silverstone

ART Grand Prix driver Christian Lundgaard enjoyed his fifth taste of Formula 1 machinery at Silverstone on Tuesday, testing Alpine’s R.S.18.

The Danish racer took to the wheel for a one-day test around Silverstone, completing 101 laps around the historic British circuit, just over one month ahead of Formula 2’s visit to the track.

After a frustrating start to the season, where he has scored just 18 points, Lundgaard’s performances, and the experience gained, driving in the R.S.18 will have provided the 19-year-old with a welcome boost in the lead up to the fourth round of the season.

As well as playing a key role in the development of their academy drivers, the tests provide Alpine with key data, and Lundgaard was happy to have played his part in assisting the team.

“It was a very smooth day today at Silverstone and I am happy with how it went. We managed to get through a lot of the programme we had planned, and the car felt great around the Silverstone circuit.

“We did some qualifying runs and race simulations so there is lots for me to digest and analyse afterwards. I’ve driven the R.S.18 before but it’s always great driving a Formula 1 car and I will take away a lot of learnings from today.”

Lundgaard has driven the R.S.18 twice before, once in 2019 and once in 2020, while Alpine Academy teammates Guanyu Zhou and Oscar Piastri have already run for the team in tests earlier this year.

Alpine Academy Director Mia Sharizman added: “Today Christian did a good job in the R.S.18, joining Oscar and Zhou in completing a Formula 1 test this year.

“It was Christian’s fifth time at the seat of an F1 test car having driven the R.S.18 and R.S.17 before, so today was largely about familiarising himself with the uniqueness of the car with a mix of qualifying and high fuel runs.

“He handled it very well and he looks more comfortable in the car with each test he completes. Our Formula 1 test programme is something we are very proud of in the Academy, as it helps to prepare our young drivers for what is required from them at the highest level of single seater racing in Formula 1.”