Flavio Briatore, one of the key figures of the Alpine team, referred to Franco Colapinto's current situation in a very amusing way.
In a conversation with ESPN, shortly before the start of the Bahrain Grand Prix, Briatore commented that Colapinto is performing tasks with the team, although he didn't provide many details about it. Additionally, the Italian made a clarification with a laugh: "Yes, we're paying him a salary to do his job!"
Briatore confia en el aporte de Colapinto al equipo
During next weekend, Colapinto wasn't the reserve driver, a position occupied today and the next race by Paul Aron. Instead, he was in charge of operating the simulator from Alpine's headquarters in Enstone, where he shared an image that quickly caused a stir among his followers. This type of work aims to collaborate with the team on track, detect problems, and seek solutions that are then applied during the race.
Colapinto seguirá practicando en el simulador al menos hasta el GP de Miami
This is how the young Pilar native worked until late at night alongside Pierre Gasly, planning a strategy with soft tires that allowed the Frenchman to get the most out of his car.
"What a change from yesterday! We understand the tire very well. Tomorrow we'll score points, guys, thanks," were Gasly's words over the radio of his car after the qualifying. He added: "It was really unbelievable. Let's go, guys. Great qualifying. I'm very proud. At first, I struggled, but I improved a lot. I'm very happy because it wasn't easy. It was really tough. Great job!"
These statements were interpreted as a sign of Gasly's recognition toward Colapinto for the work done during the early hours in Bahrain. The Argentine's practices helped improve the Frenchman's performance and subsequently led to the first points for Alpine in the season, after finishing seventh.
Colapinto ayudó de cierta manera a conseguir los primeros puntos de Alpine
The result highlighted Alpine's purpose with Franco as a reserve driver, despite not bringing him to the paddock, and it was widely celebrated on social media. Additionally, a great rapport with Gasly was noted, an important detail for the Argentine's future aspirations as a possible replacement for Doohan.
