Alpine Academy driver Olli Caldwell took to the track with BWT Alpine team for his second outing in Formula 1 machinery at Bahrain International Circuit.

Successfully completing a full test schedule aboard the A521, the Farnham racer 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 – in his first season on the Formula 2 circuit – thrived, 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.

They tested 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 feedback to the team.

Successfully ending the test with more than 100 laps, the 20-year-old Alpine Academy driver was delighted to have been given the opportunity by the team.

He said: “It was such an awesome experience to be back driving the A521 in Bahrain, at a great track with great weather.

“The car was incredible and left me speechless. We did more than 520km so I got some great mileage, running through a lot of race simulations and restarts.

“Being back in the car, I was definitely feeling a lot more at home this time round compared to Silverstone, where it was all very new.”

Olli’s driver manager Gary Catt said: “It’s been a pleasure to see Olli’s progress and maturity throughout the test.

“He has made great strides since his first time in the A521, working incredibly well with the team.”