The news that Argentine fans expected so much came with the official announcement: Franco frankntoto became titular pilot into Alpine. This Wednesday it was confirmed that the Argentine will debut in the Grand Prix of Emilia Romañawhich will take place on May 18 in the Enzo and Dino Ferrari Autodrome of Imolaa circuit that the 21 -year -old Buenos Aires knows very well, and in which he won twice in promotional categories.
It was a long pulse that began after the confirmation of the pass of Collapined alpineon January 9. His irruption in the French team by the hand of the executive advisor, Flavio Briatorehe suggested that at some point the Pillarese was going to have his chance, since the role of a reserve pilot already had it in Williams For this season.
Although, beyond the merit of Franco himself, there was a determining factor that ratified his promotion as a holder: the bad yields of Jack Doohanwhose complicated panorama was signed with his accidents (one of them very strong in the trials of Japan) and his mistakes in China, which cost him the loss of 4 points of the superlicancia.
With the Australian in a fragile position, Collapent He was always chosen to replace him. This went beyond the preference of Briater By Franco. There were objective elements to be imposed on the other reserve pilots, Paul Aron y Kush maini. The Argentine is the only one of the three who ran in F1 And it was also the reference at work outside the race weekends.
Colapint did everything well since his role and fulfilled everything that the Galo team asked for. It was superior to to In all three tests TCP (Test Previous Car). Aboard an A523 of 2023 left the Estonian behind the private trials made in Barcelona, Monza and Qatar. In addition, this Wednesday will turn in Zandvoort.
Another key point was the work of Franco in the simulator, since it allowed to improve the tuning of the cars at 6,400 kilometers away, as happened the weekend of Bahrainin which the French monopostos managed to improve from Friday for Saturday thanks to the work of the Argentine.
He pilarense It is also promoted because it generates expectations of being able to add points for the French team, in addition to what you can do Pierre Gaslythe number one pilot of the team based in RodEngland.
-After Miami Grand Prix The last hours were frantic and Briater He managed to impose on “his” pilot. In principle, the announcement was going to be on Monday, May 12, but the Oakes Oliver resignation as team directoraccelerated everything. The English wanted Doohan to continue as a starter.
Franco frankntoto He knew how to wait for his moment, he did not despair and now he will have the opportunity in The next five racesaccording to the announcement of Alpine “The happy wait was long. We are back”the pilot told his social networks.
“first of all, I want to thank the team for giving me the opportunity to compete in the next five races. I will work hard with the team to prepare for the next race in Icola and the next triplet, which will undoubtedly be intense and a great challenge for all,” Franco added in testimonies published by his representative company, Bullet Sport Management.
“I have kept shape and I am as prepared as possible with the team’s career support test program, as well as in the Estone Simulator. I will do my best to adapt quickly and give everything to get the best possible results with Pierre (Gasly),” he added.
On the side of Doohanwill become a reserve pilot in Alpine. “A true professional in every way. Thank you for your hard work and dedication while you were in the car, Jack will remain an integral part of our team as a reserve pilot,” said the postage of the French team.
Brost, for his part, explained that “after analyzing the first races of the season, we have decided We understand the need to rotate our duo”.
“We also know that the 2026 season will be important for the team and that a complete and fair evaluation of our pilots is correct this year to maximize our ambition culminated.
