Formula 2 driver Franco Colapinto is set to get behind the wheel of an F1 car this coming weekend, driving in FP1 at the British GP. Colapinto, a member of the Williams Racing Driver Academy, will drive Logan Sargeant’s FW46 during the first Free Practice session.
It’ll be a busy weekend for the 21-year-old driver, who will also be competing in the Formula 2 series over the weekend. After completing the Free Practice session with his F2 team MP Motorsport, he’ll head to the Williams garage. While Colapinto has never completed a practice session for the British outfit before, he did take part in last year’s post-season test in Abu Dhabi.
However, taking to the track at Silverstone, the Argentine driver says, is a huge moment in his racing career;
“I have so many emotions. I am extremely delighted and it’s a very important moment in my life and my career. I will be the most prepared I can; I will be doing a lot of laps in the simulator and studying the details needed to drive this year’s car.
“I’m really looking forward to experiencing the new car after driving last year’s in Abu Dhabi. To be able to drive it at a track like Silverstone is a privilege, it is one of my favourite tracks and to drive it at the team’s home race means a lot.
“To all the Argentine fans – I hope you enjoy FP1 as much as I’m going to! It’s an important moment for our country and I’m so grateful for all the support I’ve been given. I’m going to give my all to make you proud!”
Colapinto has had an impressive F2 season so far. Just last weekend, he took P2 in the Spielberg Feature Race at the Red Bull Ring. The Argentine driver also clinched his maiden victory in the Championship at the Imola Sprint back in May. His progression to F2 followed an hugely successful year in 2023, competing in the FIA F3 Championship. There, Colapinto secured two race wins, including one at Silverstone, three other podiums and a total of 14 points finishing results. He consequently finished fourth in the Drivers’ Championship.
Sven Smeets, Sporting Director for Williams Racing, says the FP1 opportunity has been well-earned by Franco Colapinto;
“Franco has had a very encouraging start to his debut season in F2 and we are delighted to reward his performances over the past two years with his first FP1 session.
“We are proud of our talented group of drivers in the Williams Racing Driver Academy and it is important for us to give them the opportunity to progress and have these important chances as they move up the ladder.
“To showcase our talent at our home race at Silverstone is a nice moment and, of course, this is going to be a great day for the Argentine F1 fans.”
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