Free analysis 2 GP of Imola 2025: Colapint shines in its debut with Alpine
The Enzo E Dino Ferrari Vibró autodrome vibrated this Friday with the second free training session of the Emilia-Romaña 2025 Grand Prix, a day marked by the stellar return of Franco Colapint He slipped into a surprising third place. Meanwhile, the McLaren of Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris dominated the table, but not everything was pink: Fernando Alonso and Aston Martin seemed to fall asleep, and the engineer of Colapinto, Stuart Barlow, also gave what to talk about.
COLAPINTO: A debut that excites
Franco Colapinto, the 21 -year -old pilot who had already surprised in 2024 with Williams, assumed the challenge of getting into Alpine after the departure of Jack Doohan. In Isola, a circuit that knows well for its victories in Formula 3 and 2, the Argentine showed a rapid adaptation. With medium tires, he scored a 1: 16,478, which placed it momentarily in the top 10, just 0.526 seconds of the leader, Lando Norris. Finally, he closed the session in 13th place, at 0.751 from Piastri, but his career simulation rhythm was promising, being very close to Gasly.
Not everything was perfect for Colapint. An incident with Fernando Alonso in the Tamburello variant, where the Argentine blocked without intention to the Asturian, generated a moment of tension. “I almost cool it!” Alonso exclaimed on Radio. Fortunately, the FIA filed the investigation, and Colapinto continued to focus on its rhythm. He also had a encounter with Max Verstappen, who was surprised when the Argentine defended his position with DRS. “What are you doing?” Asked the tricampeón. These anecdotes reflect the combative character of Colapint, which does not shrink before the greats.
Gasly and Alpine surprise
The third position of Pierre Gasly, with a time of 1: 15,569 using Pirelli’s new C6 compound, was the great surprise of the day. Alpine, who until now had fought in the lower part of the table, showed a competitive rhythm that excites for Saturday’s classification. The chemistry between Gasly and Colapinto seems to be working, and the improvements introduced in the front wing of the A525 could be key to fighting for points in the race.
McLaren dominates, but Sainz and Albon stalk
Oscar Piastri led the session with a 1: 15,293, closely followed by Lando Norris, confirming that McLaren arrives in Icola as the team to beat. However, Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon, both with Williams, demonstrated an intriguing rhythm. Sainz, who came to lead momentarily with a 1: 16,597, ended 10th, but his consistency with middle tires suggests that Williams could surprise. Albon, meanwhile, closed the Top 9, although an excursion from the gravel stopped its progress.
Alonso and Aston Martin, in the shadow
Fernando Alonso, on the other hand, did not have a day for memory. Aston Martin brought an ambitious improvement package, but the Asturian, who shot without them in the FP1, did not find the expected rhythm. It ended 14th, half a second from Piastri, and its frustration was evident after the incident with Colapint. “The team is always optimistic with improvements, but we have already learned that they don’t always give what we expect,” Alonso said, suggesting some caution.
Stuart Barlow, where are you?
Colapint’s track engineer Stuart Barlow, also took some attention, although not for the right reasons. During the session, his communication with the Argentine was accurate, guiding him in details such as the braking in curve 9 or the entrance to 11. However, some comments on social networks and subsequent analysis joked that Barlow seemed “sleeping” in key moments, especially during the incident with Alonso. Beyond the jokes, the connection between Colapinto and Barlow will be crucial to maximize Alpine’s performance.
WHAT IS IN IMOLA
The red flag caused by the exit of Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls) interrupted the last minutes of the FP2, but did not overshadow a session full of emotions. This Saturday, the third free practice (7:30, Argentina time) and the classification (11:00) will define the grill for Sunday’s race. Colapinto, with his talent and hunger to shine, has a golden opportunity to consolidate in Alpine. Meanwhile, Sainz and Albon will seek to confirm their rhythm, and Alonso will need to wake up if he wants to fight for the points.
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