Mini and Tsolov join Alpine Academy for 2023 season

Rookies Gabriele Minì and Nikola Tsolov have become the newest members of the Alpine Academy, expanding the growing list of F1 academy-backed drivers announced for the 2023 Formula 3 season to eight.

Mini enters their roster off the back of claiming the Vice Champion honours in the Formula Regional European Championship and the 17-year-old Italian racer is now preparing for his F3 debut with Hitech Pulse-Eight.

After a season as an Alpine Affiliate driver where he secured the Spanish F4 title, 16-year-old Tsolov has earned full Academy status with the French team. The Bulgarian driver will be getting behind the wheel of the #9 ART Grand Prix car, alongside experienced F3 racers Kaylen Frederick and Grégoire Saucy.

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The programme also features two F3 alumni, with 2022 Champion Victor Martins remaining with Alpine as he steps up to Formula 2 this season with ART, alongside 2021 Vice Champion Jack Doohan.

“The 2023 Alpine Academy line-up is arguably the most competitive it’s ever been. It’s been great to expand our roster to nine drivers and be able to represent Alpine across many disciplines,” said Julian Rouse, Alpine Academy Director.

“In Formula 2, we have two drivers in Jack and Victor who both have the potential to be fighting near the front. It’s the same in Formula 3 with Nikola and Gabriele who I expect will be competitive from the get-go. There are exciting times ahead and we’re all looking forward to working closely with our 2023 drivers.”