Introduction to Alpine’s New Reserve Driver
Franc Colapinto has started his new role as a reserve driver for the Alpine team, based in England. He joins the team after a promising performance with Williams, where he scored five points in nine races. This move seems to be influenced by Flavio Briatore, who, although not the team leader, has significant involvement with Alpine.
Colapinto’s first day with Alpine was marked by a visit to the team’s headquarters in Enstone, where he was welcomed by the team and had the opportunity to see some of the team’s iconic cars, including the Renault R25 that won the 2005 World Championship with Fernando Alonso.
Briatore’s Influence
Flavio Briatore’s influence on Colapinto’s move to Alpine is significant. Briatore has a history of identifying and nurturing young talent, and his ambition to find the next big star in Formula 1 is well-known. According to Joan Villadelprat, a legendary Spanish coach who worked with Briatore at Benetton, “He knows what he wants, he looks at young talent and wants it at any price, as he did with Schumacher.”
He (Briatore) has that ambition. I was going to go for Colapinto because he is looking for the new Alonso, the new Schumacher
The Future of Doohan
While Colapinto is a bet for the future, Alpine’s current focus is on the upcoming season with Pierre Gasly and debutant Jack Doohan. Despite some doubts about Doohan’s ability, the team is asking for calm and giving him a chance to prove himself. Team director Oliver Oakes stated, “There are harsh writings about him, but he will have his chance.”
Harsh writing about Doohan, but he will have his chance
Colapinto’s signing is not meant to put pressure on Doohan but rather to give the team more options for the future. Oakes concluded, “We have to make sure we have the best, not just now, but also in the future.” This approach suggests that Alpine is taking a long-term view, investing in young talent, and preparing for the challenges ahead.