Colapinto: I'm definitely ready to make my debut race for Alpine

      In Imola, Alpine F1 will launch for the first time in an updated lineup: Jack Duane was replaced by Franco Colapinto. The Argentine racer won on this track in the youth series, but, of course, everyone is interested in how his debut behind the wheel of the Renault factory team car will go. Pierre Gasly has a lot more experience, and he seriously intends to compete for points.

      Pierre Gasly: "I left Miami feeling a certain satisfaction, because I scored a point in the sprint, although in fact we didn't have enough pace throughout the weekend, so it was difficult to count on more.

      The whole team is working hard to rebuild and recuperate between races ahead of a tense series of three consecutive stages that will begin this weekend in Imola.

      At the Alpine F1 base, I worked on the simulator and took the time to communicate with the team, as our goal for the upcoming races is to earn points.

      I am very happy to return to Italy. We're going to have a race at Imola – it's an old-school track, one of my favorites on the championship calendar. It features fast, narrow turns, and it has a rich history. In general, I like such tracks where there is no room for error, because there is a grass surface and gravel traps on the roadsides.

      In previous years, some races in Imola followed a rather crazy scenario, and each time it was confirmed how important qualifying was here, because it is very difficult to overtake. So we will pay maximum attention to the speed in one fast lap. I intend to fight for the top ten positions this weekend, so we will try to make full use of the car's potential.

      Now let's change the subject: I am very pleased that I was in Paris for a football match, which resulted in Paris Saint-Germain reaching the Champions League final. The game was really exciting, and now I'm looking forward to the final, which will be held in Spain in a couple of weeks."

      Franco Colapinto: "I'm thrilled, because for the first time since December, I'm looking forward to a race weekend! I am very grateful for this opportunity, and now my task is to reach the required speed level and show everything I am capable of driving an Alpine car.  

      I consider Italy to be a special country for several reasons. It was there, at the Monza circuit, that I made my Formula 1 debut last year, and now I'm heading to Imola for my first Alpine race. I also have fond memories of my first victory in Italy – in 2020 I competed in Formula Renault and won the race in Monza. Then there were wins at Imola in F3 and F2 in 2022 and 2024, and I really like this track.

      It's just a legendary circuit, the ring of which is distinguished by interesting turns, and now I'm preparing to overcome them for the first time behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car.

      I am determined to work hard with the team to quickly gain the necessary pace and try to help Alpine complete the tasks we face. After a few months of working at the Enstone base, training on the simulator and testing behind the wheel of the 2023 car, I definitely feel ready for the upcoming race."