Williams junior driver Franco Colapinto will turn out to be the primary Argentinean to take part in a grand prix weekend for over twenty years on Friday.
The 21-year-old, who’s at present tied for fourth place within the Components 2 standings with Zane Maloney, will drive within the first apply session at Silverstone.
He’ll take over Logan Sargeant’s automobile for the session, fulfilling one among Williams’ obligations to run an inexperienced driver in every of its chassis throughout a primary apply session this yr.
Colapinto was beforehand backed by two-times Components 1 world champion Fernando Alonso. He joined Williams’ driver academy final yr and received twice in Components 3 on his solution to fourth place within the championship.
He mentioned he has to “hold pinching myself to verify it’s actually taking place” after studying of his alternative throughout a race weekend.
“One second I’m driving my F2 automobile, and the following minute I’m advised I get to participate in an F1 weekend. It’s a dream come true and having the ability to do it in Silverstone makes it much more particular.
“It’s not solely the house race of Williams Racing, but additionally one of many biggest tracks to drive any automobile, not to mention one the quickest race vehicles on the earth. I’m extraordinarily blissful and grateful to Williams for this chance, permitting me to take the wheel in solely my second yr within the Academy and my first season in F2.”
Colapinto beforehand examined for Williams at Yas Marina final yr. He would be the first Argentinean driver to take part in an official F1 session since Gaston Mazzacane drove for Prost within the 2001 San Marino Grand Prix, earlier than being changed by Luciano Burti.
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