(Motorsport-Total.com) – Formula 1 is taking a short break in April, but that doesn’t apply to Franco Colapinto. The Alpine driver will thrill Argentine fans with a showrun in Buenos Aires. The event will take place on April 26 in the streets of Palermo, one of the capital’s most iconic neighborhoods.
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“Driving a Formula 1 car at home will be one of the most special moments of my life,” Colapinto says happily. “It’s my way of giving back at least a little bit for all the support and love I’ve experienced since I was a child. That drives me every day to keep dreaming of my career goals. Every message, every flag, and every cheer was always there. This is for all of you, so we can enjoy this moment together.”
Two-kilometer course on Avenida del Libertador
A section of Avenida del Libertador and Avenida Sarmiento will be transformed into a two-kilometer street circuit for the day. Two official showruns are planned there as the highlights of the day.
The event is sponsored by Mercado Libre, one of Colapinto’s and Alpine’s partners. In addition to the action on the asphalt, spectators will be offered a supporting program with fan experiences, a fan forum, and live music.
First Formula 1 showrun since Ricciardo 2012
It is not the first time that the premier class has electrified the crowds in Buenos Aires: the last Formula 1 showrun in the city took place in 2012. At that time, Daniel Ricciardo drove a Red Bull RB7 through the same neighborhood and attracted around 50.000 people.
While access for fans at the Colapinto event is generally free, there will also be premium areas for which tickets will be sold starting in April.
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Tailwind for Grand Prix plans?
Colapinto’s appearance in the streets of Buenos Aires is also likely to give new momentum to the city’s ambitions to bring Formula 1 back to the country permanently. Argentina last hosted a Grand Prix in 1998. The local circuit is currently being rebuilt – with the goal of hosting MotoGP in 2027.
Colapinto had already expressed his wish for a demonstration in his home country to Motorsport.com on the sidelines of the Japanese Grand Prix: “It would be incredible. This is something I’ve always wanted to do because it’s very difficult for people in Argentina to travel to the races.”
“I have a huge fan base that has supported me since Formula 3. It’s been 25 years since an Argentine driver started in Formula 1. Being able to bring a Formula 1 car to Argentina now would be simply fantastic for these passionate fans.”
In conclusion, he emphasized how important it is to bring the sport to the people: “I know that it is a huge effort and a great sacrifice for them to come to the races. For me, the team, and the sponsors, it would be incredible to bring the experience right to their doorstep.”
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