In a flurry of activities coinciding with the Japanese Grand Prix, Alpine had something intriguing up their sleeve in Italy. At the iconic Monza circuit, they rolled out their 2023 A523 for a test drive, putting reserve driver Franco Colapinto in the hot seat. It was a hands-on experience with a car from a couple of years back, meant to sharpen skills and gather valuable data.
Prior to the race season, Alpine had already made headlines when they announced that Colapinto, who switched gears from Williams in the latter half of the previous year, would step in as one of their reserve drivers for 2025.
Speaking just before the news broke, Flavio Briatore, Alpine’s Executive Advisor, shared his enthusiasm about the new addition. “We are thrilled about this collaboration with Williams Racing to bring Franco on board,” he expressed with palpable excitement. “Franco is indisputably one of the top young talents lighting up the motorsport scene today.”
Briatore went on to reflect on Colapinto’s surprising entry into the Formula One grid last season, admitting, “His debut performances caught many of us off guard, myself included. For a newcomer, he showcased remarkable skill.”
He further emphasized Alpine’s strategic planning, stating, “Looking ahead, Franco’s signing bolsters our squad with youthful vigor, promising us a strong lineup for future triumphs.”
In Monza, Colapinto took advantage of the Testing of Previous Cars programme, taking the A523 for a spin. Prior to his stint, fellow reserve driver Paul Aron had the track to himself on Saturday, clocking in laps and gathering insights.
This seamless blend of past experiences and future aspirations highlights Alpine’s commitment to nurturing talent and pushing the boundaries of competitive racing.
