Franco Colapinto speaks out ahead of Alpine debut in Imola

Franco Colapinto will line up for Alpine at this weekend’s Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, ending five months without competitive racing.



The 21-year-old Argentine replaces Jack Doohan, who lost his seat after a point-less opening to 2025.



Months of low-key mileage



Alpine kept Colapinto sharp through a private Testing of Previous Cars schedule at Barcelona, Monza and Zandvoort.



Rain disrupted the final outing in the Netherlands, yet the rookie still logged enough laps to work with Pierre Gasly’s engineers and refine cockpit procedures.







Colapinto admitted the behind-closed-doors running “was a great first few months with everyone at Enstone,” and left him feeling “ready and prepared.”



Emotional pull of Italy



The former Williams stand-in has fond memories of Italian circuits.



He made his Formula 1 debut at Monza last year, scored maiden Formula 3 and Formula 2 victories at Imola, and now tackles the fabled parkland track with a full factory squad.



“Italy feels like a very special place for me for a number of reasons,” he said.



Five-race audition



Team management has given Colapinto just five events to impress before reviewing the line-up ahead of Silverstone.



Reserve driver Paul Aron and out-of-contract stars Sergio Perez and George Russell are all linked to the seat, adding urgency to the rookie’s task.



Balancing hope and pressure



Colapinto accepts the steep learning curve but believes winter simulator work plus “some TPC running in the 2023 car” will speed his adaptation.



With Alpine languishing in the Constructors’ standings, the newcomer’s pace could decide whether the Enstone outfit sticks or twists before the British Grand Prix.
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