P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Alpine star announced in NEW lineup as rookie drive confirmed
A member of Alpine’s young driver karting program has been selected for the inaugural lineup of a new rookie test for the F1 Academy, which was launched in conjunction with an all-female racing series in 2022, paving the way for promising young female talent in motorsport.
The rookie test, scheduled to take place at Circuito de Navarra in Spain from September 17 to September 18, will feature 18 carefully chosen drivers, all vying for a full-time spot or a Wild Card entry on the 2026 F1 Academy grid.
The selected drivers, aged between 15 and 21, will undergo a series of assessments and briefings on the first day, followed by on-track testing with the F1 Academy machinery on the second day.
Among the standout drivers selected for the rookie test are Lisa Billard, already supported by Alpine’s Rac(H)er program, and Scottish racer Rachel Robertson, who has garnered attention with backing from BBC Sports presenter Gabby Logan.
F1 Academy’s Managing Director Susie Wolff emphasized the significance of the rookie test in showcasing the growing pool of female talent and providing an equal platform for emerging drivers to showcase their skills and potentially secure a spot on the grid.
The event aims to break down barriers and offer a clear pathway for talented female drivers to excel, with a focus on nurturing the next generation of motorsport stars through meaningful action and support from organizations like More Than Equal, which is dedicated to providing vital assessments for the participating drivers.
