Chinese driver Guanyu Zhou to make F1 practice debut with Alpine in Austria

Guanyu Zhou will become only the second Chinese driver to get behind the wheel in a Formula 1 practice session.

Zhou joined the team’s Academy in 2019, rising from development driver to test driver for the F1 team in 2020. (Image Credit: Twitter/@gyzhou_33)
By Arnab Mukherji | Jun 28, 2021 | 2 Min Read follow icon Follow Us

Formula 2 championship leader and Alpine test driver Guanyu Zhou is set to achieve a unique distinction when he borrows Fernando Alonso’s car for FP1 at the Austrian Grand Prix. He will become only the second Chinese driver to get behind the wheel in a Formula 1 practice session. Zhou joined the team’s Academy in 2019. He rose from development driver to test driver for the F1 team in 2020. Zhou has extensively tested several models of Renault machinery, including at last year’s end-of-season Abu Dhabi young driver test. He tops the drivers’ standings in F2 after three rounds. The racer recorded two victories in Bahrain and Monaco, along with two additional podiums.

Zhou’s appearance in FP1 in Austria will mark the maiden representation of a Chinese driver in eight years. Ma Quinghua drove in five practice session across 2012 and 2013 with HRT and Caterham.

“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. 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. 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,” said the Chinese as quoted by Formula 1’s official website.

“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. I’m very happy with my achievements so far and I’m very thankful for the support I have from those around me. My aim is to maximise this opportunity and I’m really looking forward to it,” he added.

“Challenge for young drivers to get into F1 is incredibly hard”

Alpine boss Laurent Rossi stated that the team was proud to support upcoming talent like Zhou.

“The challenge for young drivers to get into F1 is incredibly hard, and we are proud to support upcoming talent on this road. In his role as Test Driver Guanyu has participated in test and simulator sessions, so running a free practice in a current car is a logical and important step for one of the Academy’s brightest stars. This experience will greatly help him as he makes very solid progress towards the ultimate target that constitutes a full-time F1 seat.”

Alpine Academy Director Mia Sharizman termed the progression as a “long and rewarding process”.

“It has been a long but rewarding process with Zhou putting the hard work in behind the scenes to get to this point in his career. The fact that he is now leading the Formula 2 Championship is proof of this hard work and dedication and we are all looking forward to seeing him in a Formula 1 car this weekend,” concluded Sharizman.