Alpine has launched the A525, performing a shakedown test at the Bahrain International Circuit.
The new car was put through its paces in Bahrain during a 200km filming day. Pierre Gasly and rookie Jack Doohan both got to experience their new challenger during the run.
2025 will be the final year Alpine will run as a Renault works team. From 2026, it will switch Mercedes power. The new A525 ran in the new livery colours unveiled at F1 75.
In a statement released by Alpine, Gasly said he had a good “initial feeling” during the shakedown run.
“It is a great feeling to be back on track and driving the A525 for the first time. Congratulations to everyone who has contributed to this car and all the hard work that has gone into preparing this season.
“It is only a shakedown, limited running, so it’s not like we are driving the car at its full potential but the initial feeling felt smooth and I am just looking forward to getting going and having a proper run later this week for official pre-season testing. I must say, the new colours look really cool so I hope everyone enjoys seeing the A525 in action.”
Doohan spoke of his excitement to begin pre-season testing and enjoying his first filming day.
“We have had a good first day on-track here in Bahrain and I am sure everyone at the team feels really excited to be back and ready now to start the season. It is my first time driving a shakedown day so a great experience, especially driving on track with the filming vehicles!
“The car felt good so thanks to everyone at Enstone and Viry-Châtillon for their time and dedication in getting ready for 2025. I know Pierre and I are really excited for Wednesday and beginning pre-season testing. It will be three busy days where we have many things to run through in order to develop the A525 ahead of the season start.”
Alpine launch unearths ‘multiple areas of interest’
Team Principal Oliver Oakes said the shakedown was a “moment of pride” and the team had found “multiple areas of interest.”
“It is always a moment of pride when a new car goes on track for the first time so well done to everyone at Enstone and Viry-Châtillon for their hard work in developing the A525 ahead of this season.
Despite the overcast and strong gusts of wind, we have had a good day’s running in Bahrain with 200km completed split evenly between Pierre and Jack. It is important to give them a first go each and allow them both to have a first feeling at the wheel ahead of a busy three days of testing later this week.
There are certainly multiple areas of interest for us to keep learning and progressing and we look forward to continuing the hard work beginning on Wednesday with Jack driving the morning and Pierre the afternoon.”
Feature Image Credit: Alpine Cars Media
