After a complicated Grand Prix of Austria, where he had a poor race (finished 15th) and Alpine failed to score points (Gasly finished 13th), Franco Colapinto has already set his sights on the next event on the calendar. In the lead-up to the British Grand Prix, the Argentine driver expressed confidence in being able to turn the situation around and emphasized the importance of starting strong from day one in a weekend that will feature a Sprint format.
Firstly, the native of Pilar acknowledged that the race held in Spielberg left negative feelings, although he assured that the team has already turned the page and is working hard to arrive better prepared for Silverstone. "I feel ready to get back on track this weekend in Silverstone after a complicated race in Austria. I hope to feel a bit more comfortable with the car, as I have already driven the A526 in Silverstone during a test day, and it is undoubtedly an interesting test in this generation of Formula 1", he expressed.
The Buenos Aires native also reflected on what happened at the Red Bull Ring and considered that the result did not fully reflect the team's potential. "I think we left Austria with a bit of bad luck, as we finished outside the points, which obviously was not the result the team expected. The race was difficult for us, and we struggled to find balance throughout the weekend", he analyzed.
With the goal of putting that setback behind him, Colapinto explained that he took advantage of the days following the Austrian GP to continue working with the team and prepare for the next competition. "We have many opportunities to familiarize ourselves with the car, and I have already been in the simulator preparing for Silverstone. We need to start on the right foot, as this is a Sprint test and we must be quick from Friday, as our goal is to score points this weekend taking advantage of the two opportunities to do so", he stated.
In addition to the sporting challenge, the British Grand Prix will have a special significance for Alpine as it is the team's home race, with its factory located in Enstone, just a few kilometers from the circuit. "The fans are always fantastic, and since it is the team's home race, close to the factory, there will be many team members among the crowd who have traveled from Enstone. I hope to deliver a good result for them and score points again", he concluded.
When Colapinto returns to racing
After this bitter experience, the Argentine driver will seek to recover and return to the points zone at the British Grand Prix. Action at the iconic Silverstone circuit will kick off on Friday, July 3 with the first free practice and the sprint qualifying and will conclude on Sunday, July 5 with the main race. It is worth noting that last season, Colapinto could not even start the race due to issues with his A525.
Schedule for the British GP
Friday, June 26
