Alpine Race Preview: Emilia Romagna Grand Prix 2025
Looking Back: 2024 at Imola
Before turning the page to 2025, it's worth reflecting on Alpine’s performance at Imola last season. In 2024, the team faced a challenging weekend marked by changing weather conditions and setup limitations. Despite the adversity, both drivers showed resilience, particularly in qualifying, where Alpine managed to position itself just outside the top ten.
Race day brought mixed fortunes, but the experience laid valuable groundwork for this year’s return. The lessons learned have helped shape Alpine’s current approach, with development now focused on consistency, adaptability, and sharper qualifying performance.
The Road to Europe Begins
The 2025 Formula 1 season lands in Europe for the first time this year, as the BWT Alpine F1 Team prepares to tackle the legendary Imola circuit for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. This weekend represents a pivotal moment for Alpine as it brings a refreshed driver line-up and renewed ambition to one of F1’s most iconic tracks.
A Return to Imola
Set among the rolling hills of Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region, the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari is steeped in Formula 1 history. With high-speed curves, unforgiving kerbs, and a narrow layout, Imola remains a true test of driver skill and commitment.
For Alpine, this is more than just another race weekend. It’s a chance to bounce back and gain ground in the Constructors’ standings. For Franco Colapinto, it’s a return to a circuit that holds deep personal significance—he claimed memorable wins here in Formula 3 and Formula 2; including his first F2 category win.
Pierre Gasly: Focused and Determined
Alongside Franco, Pierre Gasly continues his campaign with Alpine, bringing stability and experience to the weekend. Gasly left Miami with a solitary point from the Sprint, acknowledging that the team lacked outright pace across the weekend.
“I’ve been in the simulator back at the factory, spending some time with the team as we focus on the upcoming races,” Gasly said. “Imola is an old-school circuit and one of my favourites. We’ll focus a lot on one-lap pace because overtaking is very difficult here.”
Gasly remains a key figure in Alpine’s push through the midfield, and his technical feedback will be vital in helping Franco settle into the team dynamic.
Franco Colapinto: A New Chapter Begins
Alpine’s decision to place Franco Colapinto in the race seat for five rounds has drawn attention throughout the paddock. The Argentine driver has impressed in junior categories and even made his F1 debut with Williams in 2024. But this weekend marks his first race as an official BWT Alpine F1 driver.
Coming off a productive stint with the team, including simulator work and private testing, Franco is eager to hit the ground running. “Italy feels like a very special place for me,” he said. “My first victories in both Formula 3 and Formula 2 came in Imola. I’ll work hard with the team to get on the pace quickly and contribute to our goals.”
He replaces Jack Doohan for the time being, with the Australian remaining active in Alpine’s broader motorsport program.
What to Watch This Weekend
- Franco Colapinto’s first official Grand Prix start with Alpine
- The impact of qualifying at Imola, where grid position is crucial
- Gasly’s pursuit of more consistent points finishes
- Signs of Alpine’s evolving mid-season development plan
Trak Racer Proudly Supporting the Journey
As the Official Racing Simulator Supplier of BWT Alpine F1 Team, Trak Racer is proud to support Franco, Pierre, and the entire Alpine operation. Every lap begins in the simulator, and with our hardware integrated at Alpine HQ, we’re proud to play a role in preparing for race day.
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