Alpine MD Steve Nielsen confirms that Jack Doohan is still in with a chance of returning to the grid with the Enstone-based outfit.

The Briton's claim comes after Flavio Briatore said that the second driver seat in 2026 was a choice between Franco Colapinto and Paul Aron, with Doohan not even mentioned.

"Jack is still part of our programme," insists Nielsen. "He drove for us the first few races of the season. We made a change. Franco is now in the car.

"We constantly assess our options," adds the Briton. "We'll make decisions when we have to, but I can't give you an update on if or when he will drive again."

The Australian was dropped after six races - three times as many as Liam Lawson was given at Red Bull - and with Briatore failing to mention him there has been talk of him taking up a reserve seat elsewhere.

"From our side, as far as we're aware, Jack is contracted to Alpine," said James Vowles. "We have our own young driver programme," he added, "we've got Luke (Browning), who's second in the F2 championship.

"And for me, as we did with Franco as well, it's about developing our own internal structure and drivers."

Meanwhile Helmut Marko has admitted that he is eyeing Alex Dunne, who parted ways with McLaren this week.

"He's a very aggressive driver," said the Austrian, "he has fantastic car control, and he's fast. "That what Red Bull likes, and of course we will have discussions with him now he's free.

"He doesn't have a super license, so let's see," he added. "There are two more races in F2. Let's see what he can achieve."

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