Aston Martin has confirmed that Jak Crawford will participate in the upcoming Abu Dhabi Young Driver Test.
Scheduled for December, the post-season event provides a crucial opportunity for young talents to experience driving contemporary Formula 1 machinery.
For Jak Crawford, this will mark his first time behind the wheel of the AMR24, the current model used by Aston Martin’s main drivers, Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll.
This comes after Crawford demonstrated his abilities in a practice drive in his hometown of Houston, Texas, ahead of this weekend’s United States Grand Prix in Austin. He piloted the AMR22 around several parts of the city as part of the Generation 3 launch with Aramco.
The promising American racing driver, who is currently competing in the Formula 2 Championship and sits fifth in the standings, has already made significant strides in his racing career. He previously tested the 2022 Aston Martin F1 car model as part of the Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) program earlier this year.
His experience in single-seater racing has been impressive; he has achieved one win, one pole position, and five podium finishes in the 2023 F2 season. This success has not only showcased his talent but also solidified his position as a notable contender in the motorsport arena.
The Abu Dhabi Young Driver Test at Yas Marina circuit is designed to allow junior drivers to familiarize themselves with current F1 cars and gain invaluable experience that could pave the way for future opportunities within the sport.
The test is particularly significant for the 19-year old as it represents a pivotal moment in his career, allowing him to demonstrate his skills on a global stage.
“I’m excited about the opportunity of driving the AMR24 for the first time in Abu Dhabi,” Crawford said. “I’ve spent lots of hours on the simulator back at the AMR Technology Campus, and I will be continuing this ahead of the test to make sure I am well prepared.
“Yas Marina is a circuit I know well, so hopefully this will help me get up to speed quickly. I would like to say a big thanks to everyone at Aston Martin Aramco for the chance to drive this year’s car in the test.”
Aston Martin’s decision to include Crawford in their Young Driver Development Programme underscores their commitment to nurturing emerging talent. Team principal Mike Krack commented on his potential, stating that they look forward to seeing him behind the wheel of the AMR24.
“We’re looking forward to giving Jak Crawford the opportunity to drive the AMR24 in Abu Dhabi as part of his role in the Aston Martin Aramco Young Driver Development programme,” Krack said.
“He’s already shown a high level of understanding in previous tests with us this year and I know he will be working hard in preparation for the test alongside competing in the final two rounds of the F2 Championship.”
Crawford’s journey through motorsport began at a young age, transitioning from karting to single-seater racing with remarkable success. His early career included standout performances in various championships, including ADAC Formula 4 and FIA Formula 3.
In 2020, he finished as runner-up in the ADAC Formula 4 Championship, narrowly missing out on the title by just two points. This achievement was followed by another strong season in FIA Formula 3, where he showcased his adaptability and skill by securing multiple podiums despite missing several races due to other commitments.
The 2023 season marked Crawford’s debut in Formula 2, where he quickly established himself as a competitive driver. His maiden victory came during a chaotic race weekend in Austria, showcasing not only his driving talent but also his strategic acumen under pressure.
Each step up the ladder has been marked by impressive results that have caught the attention of F1 teams and fans alike. As he continues to refine his skills and gain experience, Crawford remains focused on achieving further success within F2 before potentially making a leap into Formula 1.
The Abu Dhabi Young Driver Test is scheduled for December and will run alongside Pirelli tyre test, providing teams with valuable data while allowing young drivers to gain insights into race strategies and car dynamics.
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