Colapinto gets first on-track outing with Alpine

©Alpine

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Franco Colapinto experienced his first drive in an Alpine Formula 1 car on Wednesday at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

The young Argentine, recently signed as the Enstone squad’s reserve driver for 2025, took to the track in the team’s 2023 A523, in line with F1’s Testing of Previous Cars regulations.

This test session allowed Colapinto valuable track time and the opportunity to familiarize himself with the team and the car's handling.

But the Barcelona test wasn't just about Colapinto. Full-time Alpine driver Jack Doohan was also in action, continuing his preparations for the 2025 season.

While Alpine hasn't released any details about the test, the presence of both drivers suggests the team was gathering data and perhaps evaluating future options. Ferrari and McLaren were also present at the circuit, conducting tyre testing for Pirelli.

Briatore's Instagram Post

Adding intrigue to the test, Alpine's executive advisor, Flavio Briatore, posted a video on his Instagram account featuring Colapinto exiting the A523.

The fact that Briatore chose to highlight Colapinto, rather than Doohan, will undoubtedly fuel speculation about the future of the team's driver lineup.

It’s worth noting that as a reserve driver, Colapinto has no restrictions on his mileage in older F1 cars, unlike the current drivers who face a 1000km annual limit.

This freedom allows him to gain significant experience and demonstrate his capabilities to the team.

Jack Doohan's Perspective

Doohan is preparing for his first season as a Formula 1 driver, stepping up to replace the Haas-bound Esteban Ocon alongside Pierre Gasly.

But despite Alpine’s commitment to giving the Aussie “a fair chance”, speculation about Colapinto eventually replacing him continues to linger.

Speaking last week at the Autosport Awards in London, Doohan addressed the rumors and expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming season.

©Alpine

“I’m very motivated,” he said. “I look forward, to be honest, to just getting on track and doing the work with my hands and my feet and steering that car as best as I can.

“It’s a super special time for me, I’m stoked to be a part of it. I’ve been watching these guys ever since I was a little boy, especially Lewis.

“So to be coming in to be one of the 20 drivers on the grid, it’s super special and I look forward to just cementing my place here for the future.”

While Doohan remains focused on proving himself, the spotlight on Colapinto suggests Alpine is keeping its options open.

With Briatore’s history of bold decisions, the situation could evolve rapidly as the 2025 season unfolds.

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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.