F1 Rumor: Alpine's Paul Aron auditioning to replace Colapinto

Alpine has loaned out reserve driver Paul Aron (pictured) to drive for Sauber at two FP1 sessions at upcoming Formula 1 events in Silverstone and Budapest.

The Estonian driver will make his debut for the team in Friday’s practice for this weekend’s British Grand Prix, driving Nico Hulkenberg’s car, and then will replace the German again in Hungary.

Sauber, still without a reserve driver for the season, needed a rookie to compete in two FP1 sessions this year, per the regulations.

If Aron does well in the two FP1 sessions, he could replace the failing Franco Colapinto.

Flavio Briatore has suggested Colapinto’s performances need to improve if he wants to see out the season.

Rumors are abounding that Alpine are considering a third driver change if there is not a major turnaround from Colapinto, who has yet to score a point since his debut with the team. He certainly has crashed, however, causing million of dollars in damage.

Aron getting two practice appearances in the races leading into the summer would open up speculation Alpine would look to make a change during August’s four-week break.