Franco Colapinto is the central figure of a historic day in Buenos Aires, with his Road Show through the streets of Palermo. In the run-up to the event, which was attended by more than 500,000 people, the Argentinian pilot made clear his excitement to experience a unique moment in his country
.
“It's impressive, it's very well organized. I'm happy that they're all here, I really enjoy it,I get chicken skin,” he laughed when talking to ESPN journalist Juan Fossaroli, avoiding saying “chicken” so as not to refer to Boca's classic rival, a club of
which he is a fan.
Before taking to the track with the Lotus E20, the Alpine driver highlighted the personal meaning of the day: “It's a very nice thing, I'm very happy to be here. Going back to Argentina is something I enjoy a lot. And that it's to do such a special event with so many people, with a Fan Zone in Argentina,is something I dreamed of, but I didn't imagine and I didn't think it would come so soon
.” Colapinto assured that the event is a dream for him
True to his style, he also left room for humor: "I want to test the car, I'm going to go slowly, respecting traffic regulations. I haven't driven it yet. Now we do a few laps and at 16 we melt everything
down.”
Already on stage and before an applauding crowd, Colapinto thanked him again for the audience's support: “They are idols. Thank you all for coming, they are bosses. It's crazy, I'm very happy to have come here because it's something I wanted to do a long time ago. Having them all here in a Fan Zone in Argentina is a huge pride.”
In addition, he valued the efforts of those who traveled from different parts of the country to witness the event: “I know that it is a very big effort to come here, on a Sunday, with the traffic that was in the city, with many who came from different provinces. I thank them because it is an enormous pride to have brought them together here. I wanted to bring them a Formula 1 so they can enjoy it,have a very nice day and can live the experience
up close.” Colapinto thanked the people for their support and the effort they made to go to the event
Amid the enthusiasm, the driver also left a message with a vision for the future and a desire shared by motorsport fans: “Hopefully after this show we can show Formula 1 what we generate and we can bring a Grand Prix to Argentina again soon
.”
Later, he commented on another of his wishes: to meet Lionel Messi. “Hopefully, but I want it to be natural. I would love to meet him, but let it be something natural without marketing,”
he said.
The Road Show not only marks the return of Formula 1 to the streets of Buenos Aires, but it also consolidates the Colapinto phenomenon before its people, in an event that will combine emotion, spectacle and a strong message for the future for Argentine motorsport.
