Doohan to be Haas reserve driver

Australian Jack Doohan has secured a role as reserve driver at Haas after being released by the Alpine team.

The 23-year-old, the son of five-time MotoGP champion Mick Doohan, competed in six grands prix for Alpine last year before being replaced by Argentine Franco Colapinto.

Doohan joins Ryo Hirakawa as one of two reserve drivers at Haas. The Japanese has connections with technical partner Toyota, which has increased its role to become title sponsor this year.

Haas’ main drivers are Briton Oliver Bearman and Frenchman Esteban Ocon.

Doohan described Haas as “the ideal place to continue my F1 career,” which he hopes to revive.

Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu said: “The dedication required to remain sharp and prepared to race while getting to know how the team works and so on, it’s challenging for any driver – especially one who’s obviously still very keen to race again at this level.”