Newly minted Alpine driver Franco Colapinto is on the eve of his first full Grand Prix weekend for the French team. Reportedly, the Argentine is already under pressure, as team boss Flavio Briatore is said to be in talks with Sergio Pérez, among others, for next year’s line-up. James Vowles, who experienced Colapinto’s ‘tremendous speed’ at Williams, expresses his support for the young driver.
Franco Colapinto has not yet raced as a replacement for Jack Doohan, but is already under pressure at Alpine. Reportedly, new team boss Flavio Briatore has already held talks with Sergio Pérez, should the Argentine not prove himself in the next five races. An extra challenge, therefore, for the young Colapinto, who also has to get used to the role of full-time driver at the French team. The Argentine, at least, already receives support from an old acquaintance.Williams team boss James Vowles believes that Colapinto will thrive despite the turmoil within Alpine. The driver raced nine times for Williams last year, and performed commendably. “Is it a turbulent time at Alpine? Yes, no doubt,” Vowles tells the media. “Will they support Pierre Gasly (ed.) and Franco? Yes, I think they will, because they are still the top athletes driving for Alpine to score as many points as possible.”
Support from Vowles
Vowles even thinks that the unrest within Alpine will be a good learning experience for the rookie. “Actually, I think his time within Alpine is invaluable. Because, A, it’s time on the track, and B, it’s time in a difficult environment and if you get through that, you’re only stronger.” In addition, according to the team boss, who is pleased that ‘his’ driver is getting a chance at Alpine, Colapinto has an incredibly good adaptability. “He was very quick with us. I know he’s extremely fast, so I think he will do a good job in that period, regardless of the deadline they have set.”
