The 17-year old started his season in New Zealand for the Toyota Racing Series and after five weeks of intense racing, left as the rookie champion. Back in Europe, the delayed Formula Renault Eurocup season began and he started on a high taking the opening race win and a podium at Monza.
In fact, the young Argentinean went on to score nine podiums and finished in the top-seven in all but three of the 20 races to score 213.5 championship points for himself and MP Motorsport and take third place in the championship, with three-times series entrant Victor Martins finally taking the crown.
“MP Motorsport have been super impressive this season,” said Colapinto. “I couldn’t have asked for more from a team. They have worked so hard and we have had lots of success as a result. But I believe that third is not where we belong as a package. We came here to win the championship and I think we had all of the ingredients in place… but to beat Victor Martins and Caio Collet in their third and second year respectively was always going to be difficult.”
“I’ve learned so much from the team and the engineers and I’ve had to really develop as a driver. This season was the hardest of my life, but I’m grateful for it as I learned a lot about myself too. I’m working hard to make sure that I am as good as I know I can be every time I hit the track. I am sometimes guilty of over driving in qualifying – this comes from me wanting the win too much – but I always managed to recover in the race so I’m pleased with that. I expect perfection from myself but I also need to be honest and humble, admit where I can improve and then go away and do it!”
Jamie Campbell-Walter
“Franco has done an incredible job this season. To finish as the first driver new to the series shows what a talent he is. Franco is always hard on himself and has high expectations, but some of the starts and moves he’s made stick this year are like something I’ve not seen from a driver of his experience. He can be very proud of this season and we can go into next year knowing he’s on the path to a great career.”
Franco and Bullet Sports Management are now busy working on 2021 plans and making sure he has the highest level of fitness – both physically and mentally. His 2021 season plans will be announced in the coming weeks.
