Williams hands Colapinto FP1 outing at Silverstone

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Williams has announced that F1 winner Franco Colapinto will make his official F1 debut at this week’s British Grand Prix when he takes over Logan Sargeant’s car in Friday’s opening practice at Silverstone.

The talented 21-year-old Argentine, a member of the Williams Racing Driver Academy programme, is currently fifth in the FIA F2 Championship standings after a strong start to his rookie season.

Colapinto has been a rising star in the feeder series this year. The MP Motorsport driver’s impressive campaign includes a victory in Imola, podium finishes in the Barcelona and Austria feature races, and four additional point-scoring results in the series.

This strong performance follows a successful year in the FIA F3 Championship, where he secured two race wins (including one at Silverstone), three podiums, and a total of 14 points finishes, which placed him fourth in the overall driver standings.

Read also: Williams pursuing other driver options as Sainz delays decision

Next Friday’s FP1 session will mark Franco's debut in a Grand Prix weekend, but it won't be his first time behind the wheel of an F1 car. Last year, he participated in the Abu Dhabi young driver test with Williams.

“I have so many emotions. I am extremely delighted and it’s a very important moment in my life and my career,” commented Colapinto.

“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!” concluded the young man who is attempting to following in the footsteps of Argentine F1 legends Juan Manuel Fangio and Carlos Reutemann.

Williams sporting director Sven Smeets added: “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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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.