Alpine Academy driver Olli Caldwell took to the track with BWT Alpine F1 Team for his second outing in Formula 1 machinery at Bahrain International Circuit on Friday. Successfully completing a full test schedule aboard the A521, Olli completed 520km across the morning and afternoon sessions.
Trusted with the opportunity to run with the team as part of their young driver test programme, Olli thrived in his role having built his confidence and skills from his first outing at Silverstone earlier this year. Following some familiarisation laps, he quickly got to grips with the car and worked closely with the engineers to complete the run plan effectively, testing a number of procedures along with some early qualifying simulations before setting out on some higher fuel runs.
With the humid conditions providing the ideal proving ground, Olli had the opportunity to push his understanding of the car further by completing a series of race simulations and race restarts. Combining valuable on-track experience with his set-up knowledge, he continually relayed productive feedback to the team.
Successfully ending the test with over 100 laps, the twenty-year-old Alpine Academy driver was honoured to have been given the opportunity by the team.
“It’s been such an awesome experience to be back driving the A521 here in Bahrain, at a great track with great weather. The car is incredible and has left me speechless once again. We did over 520 km today so I got some great mileage, running through a lot of quali and race simulations and restarts as well. Being back in the car, I definitely was feeling a lot more at home this time round, getting used to the speed on and the feeling of the car compared to Silverstone where it was all very new.”
Fresh out of the car, a bright and beaming Olli gave thanks to the team:
“I have to give a massive thanks to BWT Alpine F1 Team, everyone here for their effort and support, and for their trust in allowing me to drive and take part in such a special day.”
Olli’s Driver Manager Gary Catt of Infinity Sports Management praised his efforts:
“What a day for Olli, it’s been a pleasure to see his progress and maturity throughout the test. He has made great strides since his first time in the A521, working incredibly well with the team and really impressed in his time on track.”