Franco Colapinto has taken responsibility for his dramatic qualifying crash at Imola on debut for Alpine.
Making his qualifying debut for Alpine, Franco Colapinto endured a challenging Q1 session ahead of his much anticipated return to F1.
Following the red flag caused by Yuki Tsunoda’s dramatic crash, a costly miscommunication between driver and team had consequences. Ahead of the restart, Colapinto entered the pit-lane while still closed, incurring a one-place grid penalty.
On the border of the elimination zone towards the end of Q1, the Argentinian was under pressure. Colapinto then crashed heavily in the closing seconds, just minutes after Tsunoda.
Losing control at the exit of the Tamburello chicane, the Argentinian collided nose-first with the barrier. While the front of his Alpine was wrecked, questions remain on whether his gearbox has been damaged.
Speaking to media after the session, Franco Colapinto praised his team, and admitted hope for a good result in Sunday’s race.
“It’s just a pity. The team has been doing a great job. The car was very competitive.We found a lot of pace from P3 to Q2, and just pushing to the limits and very tight margins here in Q1 and Q2.
Just finding new things lap after lap. Unfortunately, a little mistake that was very costly.Sorry to the team. I think we have a lot of work to do overnight now, but I’m sure we are going to come back stronger tomorrow.
Franco taking the positives from qualifying at Imola
Colapinto enters race day at Imola starting from the back, on a track not known for its overtaking opportunities. He will do so in a car that he has little experience in, and with a setup that will be compromised following his crash.
When asked about his targets for Sunday’s race Franco Colapinto admitted he had “hope”. He said he felt comfortable ahead of the race.
“Yes, it feels like that. I think I felt not so comfortable yesterday. Today I started to feel much more together with the car.I was already into a good point, but just unfortunate today.
“The car was very quick. We had a very good pace, Pierre is showing it.I don’t know if for Q3, but I’m sure that I will result in Q2. We will have hope.
Colapinto’s team-mate, Pierre Gasly, starts the race from P10, disappointed not to be further up the order. The Frenchman finished the second session in 3rd, before losing performance in final practice and Q3.
