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Aston Martin has announced that Fernando Alonso will sit out the first free practice session for the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa this Friday.
During the initial 60-minute session in the Ardennes, the two-time world champion will be replaced by the team's reserve driver, Jack Crawford. This will mark Crawford's third appearance in a free practice session since the start of the 2026 season.
He has previously participated in the opening practice sessions in Japan and Austria. At Suzuka, Crawford took over Alonso's car, while at the Red Bull Ring, he replaced Lance Stroll.
Formula 1 regulations mandate that each team must utilize a young and inexperienced driver in at least four practice sessions throughout the season (two with each of their cars). This means that by the end of the campaign, only Stroll will need to miss one more opening practice session, and Alonso will not be required to miss any further sessions.
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