After achieving his best results in his short career in the Formula 1 (7th in Miami and 6th in Canada), Franco Colapinto faced the Monaco Grand Prix with the hope of maintaining his level, however, the story was different. Last weekend, the Argentine failed to qualify well on a circuit where it is difficult to overtake and in the main race, due to various factors such as a 5-second penalty and the red flag after Leclerc's crash, finished in 14th place out of 15 (there were 7 retirements and he advanced one position due to a penalty to Checo Pérez).
With a clearer mind after this tough blow, the Alpine driver analyzed his performance in the Principality, highlighted the work that the French team has been doing and expressed optimism ahead of the Barcelona Grand Prix next weekend.
"The Monaco race was a real challenge for us and, overall, it was a difficult weekend for me", admitted the driver from Pilar while reflecting on his most recent performance. The characteristics of the circuit and the development of the competition conditioned the possibilities of progressing in the race. "We couldn't advance during the race and we got stuck in a pack of cars outside the points", he explained in an official press release.
Far from looking for excuses, Colapinto emphasized the importance of reviewing what happened to improve in the upcoming races. "There were opportunities this weekend, but we couldn't take advantage of them and, as a team, it's important to understand what we could have done better", he pointed out. Now, with the championship taking place in Europe, the Argentine believes that Barcelona could represent an opportunity to change the image shown in Monaco. "We are working hard to come back stronger", he assured.
One of the aspects that generates expectations within Alpine is the accumulated knowledge about the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. The French team conducted tests there during the preseason and Colapinto believes that this experience can be valuable.
"For the first time this year, we are racing on a circuit where we have a lot of knowledge of the A526 thanks to the tests we did in January. The cars have evolved a lot since then and, obviously, we know much more about this year's regulations, so it will be very interesting to go out on track on Friday and see the improvements we have achieved in such a short time", he highlighted.
The Argentine also valued the characteristics of the Spanish track, considered one of the most complete on the calendar for evaluating the performance of the single-seaters. "All the drivers know this circuit well and it is a good test for a Formula 1 package, with its variety of medium and high-speed corners", he explained.
Finally, he appealed to the good memories that Barcelona left him in previous categories. "I like the circuit and I have been on the podium here in many of the championships I have competed in, so I will take advantage of those good experiences to make the most of each session", he concluded.
When Colapinto will race again
After a complicated weekend in Monaco, the Argentine is already starting to focus on his next challenge: the Barcelona Grand Prix. Activities at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya will kick off on Friday the 12th with the first free practices and will close on Sunday the 14th with the main race. In the last season, the native of Pilar finished 15th at this track.
