Formula 1 is going through its final tests before the official start of the new season and Franco Colapinto once again had track time with Alpine at the Bahrain International Circuit. On the first day of the final week of testing, the Argentine driver completed 60 laps with the A526 and recorded the ninth-fastest time.
The driver from Pilar set 1:35.254 as his fastest lap, 1.795 seconds off the best overall time. Beyond the timesheet, which in preseason is not usually a definitive parameter, the outcome was positive for the French team, which managed to complete the planned program without major setbacks.
During the morning session, Pierre Gasly had completed 61 laps and set a time of 1:35.898. Between both drivers, the team totaled 121 laps, equivalent to more than 650 kilometers (more than 403 miles) of running, a key figure in terms of data collection and fine-tuning of the car.
Colapinto's day was tidy and within the planned program. The only issue was the breakage of a gill on the engine cover, which forced the mechanics to make a change without major consequences. In the final minutes, activity was interrupted by tests of red flag, yellow flag, and virtual safety car procedures, as well as start simulations promoted by the FIA.
