ALPINE Formula 1 trio Pierre Gasly, Esteban Ocon and Jack Doohan have sampled a Gen3 Supercar on the Calder Park Thunderdome.
The two F1 race drivers and Alpine Academy Formula 2 runner Doohan drove the banked oval aboard Thomas Randle’s Tickford Racing Mustang.
The closed-to-public event was part of a filming day for mutual sponsor Castrol and took place in damp conditions.
Former Australian Rally Champion and new Castrol ambassador Molly Taylor was also on hand and drove the car.
Gasly and Ocon both spoke highly of their experience and expressed a desire to one day contest the Bathurst 1000.
“That was insane! A really amazing experience the first time driving this beast,” said Gasly.
“It was actually my first time driving on an oval, it was incredible.
“Just too short – when I came back to stop here, I wanted to go for another 10 laps! It was a very impressive car, much different to what I’m used to driving so I definitely had a lot of fun.
“Bathurst is definitely on my bucket list, I definitely want to participate one day there.
“I’m always on YouTube watching the videos of the races there and it looks incredible driving-wise. Trying this car out, I’m definitely up for it if the opportunity comes up.”
Added Ocon: “It definitely felt great, it’s cool to have that experience as the car is racing tomorrow also, so we had a big responsibility.
“I love to try and experience new categories and that definitely was a lot of fun.
“It accelerates very fast, we were on an oval and it was a bit wet today, so we were on the wet tyres, but it definitely is a proper Supercar.
“I did race closed racing cockpits before but that was definitely the one of the top ones I have tested.
“I drive Bathurst a lot on the simulator and it is something else. Of course I would like to experience it in real life, I haven’t done so, but one day.”
Today’s Castrol crossover follows then Alpine F1 driver Fernando Alonso’s drive of Randle’s Gen2 Mustang at Albert Park 12 months ago.
The oil brand also had then Renault F1 ace Daniel Ricciardo aboard Rick Kelly’s Nissan Altima on the Calder road course back in 2019.
VIDEO: Alpine drivers sample Supercar at Calder
