FP1: 8:30
FP2: 12:00
Franco Colapinto aims to score again in Austria: "We would like to keep fighting for points"
The Argentine driver highlighted Alpine's growth after the double points finish in Barcelona and anticipated a demanding challenge at the Red Bull Ring, a circuit that brings back good memories for him and where he will seek to extend the team's good streak
FP1: 8:30
FP2: 12:00
Saturday, June 27
FP3: 7:30
Qualifying: 11:00
Sunday, June 28
Race: 10:00
After the positive outcome for Alpine at the Spanish Grand Prix, Franco Colapinto has already set his sights on the next event on the calendar: the Austrian Grand Prix, which will take place this weekend at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg.
In the lead-up to the third round of the European tour, the native of Pilar highlighted the boost that the double points finish (7th for his teammate Pierre Gasly and 10th for himself) achieved at the Catalan circuit provided for the team and emphasized the good moment the French team is experiencing. "It was very positive for the team to achieve another double points finish in Barcelona in the last race. Now that we are well into the European season, there is a very good atmosphere in the team and I am looking forward to the next double-header starting this week in Spielberg", the Argentine stated.
Before fully focusing on track activities, Colapinto also mentioned that he will visit the BWT facilities in Mondsee, one of Alpine's sponsoring companies. "I was there last year and it is a beautiful part of the world that I am eager to see again", he affirmed.
In strictly sporting terms, the 23-year-old driver expressed enthusiasm about returning to a circuit that brings him good memories. The Buenos Aires native secured a second place in the main Formula 2 race there in 2024 and also stood on the podium during his debut season in Formula 3 in 2022. “As for the race, the circuit is very fun and has a good rhythm. I have had some success there in the past”, Colapinto recalled about the Austrian track.
The Argentine also emphasized one of the main characteristics of the Red Bull Ring: its short length. “It is the circuit with the shortest lap of the season, which makes it relentless and, therefore, the pace in a single lap has to be very good, as the differences will likely be smaller than at most circuits”, he explained.
With Alpine showing signs of growth in recent races, Colapinto made it clear what the goal for the weekend is: to stay in the fight for points. "We would like to continue fighting for points and, more than ever, we will need to start off on the right foot to keep competing well with our rivals", he concluded.
After returning to the points in Barcelona, the Argentine begins his two-week preparation for his next challenge: the Austrian Grand Prix. Action at the Red Bull Ring will start on Friday, June 26 with the first free practice session and will conclude on Sunday, June 28 with the main race. In the last season, the native of Pilar finished 15th at this circuit.
Friday, June 26