Gabriele Miní has returned to the wheel of an Alpine Formula 1 car for another Testing of Previous Cars session, this time at Paul Ricard in France. The Italian driver continues to build experience with the team after earlier outings at Silverstone and Portimão.
Alpine is continuing to invest in the Sicilian driver through an intensive TPC programme using a car from the previous technical regulations cycle. On Friday, Miní completed another day of running at Paul Ricard, adding further kilometres and valuable Formula 1 experience.
Gabriele Miní continues Alpine F1 testing programme
Miní had already driven at Silverstone several months ago, where he accumulated more than 600 kilometres behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car.
The Alpine Academy driver then returned to the track in September at Portimão for another session under the team’s TPC programme.
That programme has now continued at Paul Ricard, a circuit that has long been widely used for testing thanks to the number of different configurations available. The layout can be altered in several ways, while the relatively mild climate created by its proximity to the sea often provides favourable conditions for running.
Why Alpine uses TPC tests for young drivers
For Formula 1 teams, Testing of Previous Cars sessions give young drivers and simulator specialists the opportunity to gain experience in machinery that is considerably faster than the cars used in junior categories.
The additional track time can also help drivers transfer more meaningful feedback into simulator work, creating a closer connection between virtual preparation and real-world running.
Alpine has traditionally been one of the most active teams in this area. Over the years, the French operation has organised numerous private tests for members of its Academy and has more recently also offered Formula 1 opportunities to prospects outside its own junior programme.
One example is Ugo Ugochukwu, who was given the opportunity to test a Formula 1 car at Monza in recent months despite not being part of the Alpine Academy.
Miní remains in Formula 2 title fight
With two rounds of the season remaining at Lusail and Abu Dhabi, Miní sits fourth in the championship, around 40 points behind leader Rafael Camara.
Camara is due to make his Formula 1 debut with Haas next season, having secured his place on the 2027 grid. His progression has made him one of the standout young drivers of the current junior generation, with Rafael Camara’s promotion to Haas for 2027 already confirming his move into the top category.
Miní’s championship challenge has been hurt most by a difficult recent run. A double non-score at Monza and another zero in the Madrid Sprint slowed his progress in the standings at a crucial stage of the season.
Formula 1 remains Miní’s main target
Miní is also highly regarded outside Formula 2 and has attracted interest in Formula E. He has driven a Nissan Gen3 car on several occasions, gaining experience of another high-level single-seater category.
For now, however, the Italian driver’s primary objective remains Formula 1. Alpine’s continued TPC programme is giving him further opportunities to build the mileage and experience needed as he works towards that goal.
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