Franco Colapinto, in Alpine: “I’ll be ready in case I have to get up”

ByDavid Mitchell
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The Argentine officially visited the F1 French F1 Team plant in Estone, tested the simulator and began his work with engineers.

Just 43 kilometers separate Grove from Estone. That is the distance between the bases of Williams and Alpine, the stretch that separates the exequipo of Franco Colapinto with his current. Yes, its new Team is French, but its plant is in England, as with 70% of Formula 1. only Ferrari, Racing Bulls and Sauber are out of the British islands. The Argentine pilot changed city and colors and this Thursday was his first official visit to the squad commanded by the English And strong man behind the project to put the French again in the fight.

“It’s my first time in Estone, in Alpine. I’m very happy this moment in my sports career. My first day in the team. It is a team that is growing a lot, that wants to return to the tip with Renault, with Alpine, ”said Colapinto in an official interview with the team.

The arrival of the pilots of the French team was staggered. Paul Aron, one of the reserve runners, opened the fire a week ago. After The time of the headlines came, first with Pierre Gasly and, days later, it was the turn of Jack Doohan. Finally, Collapint’s visit arrived, Another pilot reserves in 2025. Ryo Hirakawa is missing, the third substitute.

Colapinto toured the plant, met the employees and began with their work, basically meetings with engineers and simulator. “It is a team that deserves to be up and fighting for championships. It is a pleasure to be here and know the factory, the whole team, to the people who are working on this team that goes up. It is a pleasure to meet them and I have a lot to learn, but it is a great first day in Alpine “, The Buenos Aires said.

“My role in the team will be to help, give them a hand in everything I can, take the team again to the top, improve the car as much as possible. I will be very attentive for anything that happens and obviously, Always ready in case at some point I have to climb “, Collapinto warned, who in 2024 played the last nine major awards of the season with Williams and added five points.

The arrival of Carlos Sainz to Grove to make up with Alex Albon left Franco with very few chances of having a possibility of ownership in the short term. Therefore, before Alpine’s offer, headed by BriTore, Colapinto closed ranks with the French team. From the outset, with a very affirmed Gasly and a Rookie as Doohan, who must take exam in each race, in the brand that belongs to Renault the opportunity to run in 2025 is larger than in Williams.

“I was in the simulator today for the first time driving a car of this team. Obviously it is a simulation, but it is a way of understanding a little more how the car works, the balance, The set up, start understanding the steering wheel, the things with which the pilots can play above the car, so I am very happy today, ”Franco explained about his first work day in Alpine.

“We are going to work hard to take Renault and the entire team where they deserve, to fight for championships, for victories and I know that we are part of a great team, a large group of people who want to be up and want to win careers and podiums “He explained. The team began using the name Alpine in 2021 for a worldwide decision of Renault. The idea was to use its sports brand any competition in which the company has official participation around the globe. Under the current name, Team achieved just a triumph in 90 races: Hungary 2021 by Esteban Ocon (today in Haas). As Renault, the team won 35 races of the 400 played, was twice champion of builders (2005 and 2006) and obtained two pilot titles (Fernando Alonso in 2005 and 2006).

“I hope that all fans are as happy as I am here, to be back in F1, of being part of a team with such history, with so much legacy. For me it is very important that I am enjoying a lot. It is a great step to the forward we gave with the whole team and obviously I am very happy to have joined a team like Alpine with Renault too, which is a brand that has a very big story in motor racing, ”the Argentine closed.

David Mitchell
David Mitchell

As a passionate sports journalist with over a decade of experience, I strive to uncover the heart and soul behind every game. Supported by a dedicated team of fellow enthusiasts and storytellers, I am committed to delivering insightful and engaging content that connects fans worldwide. Together, we celebrate the victories, challenges, and unifying spirit of sports through every article we craft.