Chinese driver Guanyu Zhou, who currently competes in the Formula 2 Championship for Virtuosi Racing, is set to make his debut at the Austrian Grand Prix. Replacing Fernando Alonso in Free Practice 1 at the Red Bull Ring, he will become the first Chinese driver in eight years to take part in a Free Practice in F1.
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Zhou is a part of the Alpine Academy and presently serves as the test driver for the Enstone-based team. And he will finally get his first taste of the 2021 F1 machinery this weekend, driving a two-time world champion‘s car.
Chinese Guanyu Zhou will have his first experience of a Formula 1 car on a Grand Prix weekend when he takes part in first practice on Friday at the Red Bull Ring for Alpine. He will drive Fernando Alonso’s car
🗣️ “A dream coming true” - @gyzhou_33. 🔷 #AlpineAcademy Update 🔷 Guanyu Zhou will make his #F1 debut in the #A521, taking over @alo_oficial’s car for the #FP1 in Austria. Click to read the full announcement 🔗 #AustrianGP
The 22-year-old has already secured two victories in F2 at Monaco and Bahrain and currently sits top of the driver’s standings with 78 points.
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Dream come true: Guanyu Zhou on replacing Fernando Alonso for FP1
“Driving in FP1 at a Formula 1 Grand Prix weekend is like a dream coming true and another step closer to my ultimate goal of becoming a Formula 1 driver,” said the F2 championship leader ahead of the Austrian GP.
【Announcement】 I’ll be driving FP1 in #AustrianGP with @AlpineF1Team ! Thanks for the opportunity! Can’t wait, going to be a special day, 🇨🇳 proud moment. See you all on track ✌🏼 【官宣】我将代表 AlpineF1车队 参加 #F1 奥地利大奖赛 第一节练习赛！
“It’s going to be a very special moment. I’m preparing myself as much as I can to be ready and also ensure that I’m able to complete all the targets and plans that the team have set me to do,” he added.
“There have not been many Chinese drivers in Formula 1, so to be behind the wheel of an F1 car during a race weekend is going to be a very proud feeling.
Reuters
Formula One F1 – French Grand Prix – Circuit Paul Ricard, Le Castellet, France – June 18, 2021. Alpine’s Fernando Alonso during practice REUTERS/Yves Herman.
“It’s going to be even more special that I’m driving Fernando’s car as he inspired me to pursue a career in racing when I was young. added Guanyu Zhou.
Guanyu Zhou will only be the second Chinese driver ever to feature in Formula 1. Ma Qinghua previously appeared in five practice sessions between 2012 and 2013.