Alonso and Stroll to miss opening pactice at Abu Dhabi
Ahead of the season-closing Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Aston Martin announced that both their race drivers, Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll will miss the opening practice at the Yas Marina Circuit.
Aston Martin has announced that Formula 2 driver Cian Shields will take to the track at Yas Marina Circuit this week, driving Fernando Alonso's AMR25 during the Abu Dhabi Free Practice One session.
He will join Aston Martin Aramco Young Driver Jak Crawford, who was announced last month as driving Lance Stroll's AMR25 in the same session.
The 20-year-old British driver is currently competing in his first full season of FIA Formula 2. Shields has accumulated over 500km in Formula One TPC machinery this season and has completed extensive development work in the simulator at the AMR Technology Campus in Silverstone.
Reflecting on his FP1 outing with Aston Martin, Cian Shields said: "I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity to drive in FP1 with Aston Martin Aramco.
"I've learned so much working with the team this year, both in the simulator and through my TPC testing, and to now be trusted with the AMR25 on a Grand Prix weekend is a huge moment for me. I'm looking forward to contributing to the programme on Friday and making the most of the experience."
Speaking of the change to the driver line-up for FP1, Aston Martin's Chief Engineer F1 Evolution, Gerry Hughes added: "Cian has worked closely with our team throughout the year, building mileage in AMR TPC Formula One machinery and deepening his understanding of the AMR25 through a structured simulator programme.
"His feedback and professionalism have been consistently strong, and he has continued to develop with every opportunity. This upcoming FP1 session is a fantastic way to round out the year, putting the knowledge and experience he has gained to good use for the team at the final race of the season."
