BWT Alpine Formula One Team – Franco Colapinto completes 144 laps and finishes P8 on day 3 of Bahrain test 1

BWT Alpine Formula One Team concluded the first phase of 2026 winter testing with a dense and methodical day at the Bahrain International Circuit.

Franco Colapinto, the sole driver on duty this Friday, February 13, completed 144 laps and recorded the eighth-fastest time in 1’35’’806 after a programme focused on long-run work, aerodynamic understanding and next-generation hybrid system stability.

BWT Alpine Formula One Team: Friday – Pre-season Testing (Day 3)

Under clear skies and temperatures ranging from 22°C to 28°C, the Alpine A526 ran uninterrupted through a structured sequence of stints.

The morning session (64 laps) was devoted to long runs on hard and medium compounds, with a clear emphasis on consistency and data gathering. Engineers conducted extensive aerodynamic measurements using sensors fitted early in the session to refine airflow mapping under the 2026 regulations, particularly sensitive to ride-height variations.

A practice standing start highlighted the need for a minor adjustment to clutch management and electric deployment calibration. The intervention remained limited and did not disrupt the overall programme.

Through the high-speed sequences of sector two, the car remained stable at speed. However, low-speed traction — particularly on the exit of Turn 10 — still requires refinement, an area explored through several mechanical setup changes in the afternoon.

The afternoon session (80 laps) allowed the team to unlock more performance on soft tyres. The 1’35’’806 lap set towards the end of a stint placed Franco Colapinto eighth on the timesheets, just over two seconds off the day’s benchmark.

In total, 779 kilometres were completed without any major technical issue.

BWT Alpine Formula One Team – Reliability confirmed

The defining element of Friday was mileage. With 144 laps completed in a single day and 318 across Test 1, the Enstone-based squad confirms controlled reliability at the start of this new regulatory cycle.

The 2026 hybrid power unit showed no weakness over long runs. Energy deployment simulations validated the strategies planned for the opening rounds of the season.

Aerodynamically, the Alpine A526 operates within a broader working window than in previous winter campaigns. Overall balance appears more predictable, although the deficit in outright single-lap performance against the frontrunners remains visible.

In the Sakhir paddock, the approach remained disciplined: data first, no declarations.

Conclusion – A coherent technical foundation ahead of the second test

Test 1 closes with a solid technical base. Franco Colapinto gained valuable mileage, key reliability items were validated, and understanding of the Alpine A526 continues to improve.

The second test session will now focus on refining performance settings and qualifying preparation. The order remains fluid, but the groundwork is in place.

What they said

Franco Colapinto:

“It’s positive to finish with so many kilometres on the board and to head into the weekend with plenty to analyse and understand. The car behaved well today and our objective was to complete as many laps as possible to continue gaining experience behind the wheel.

Pierre had a good day yesterday and the car was already in a good window this morning, which allowed me to improve stint after stint, lap after lap. We completed a varied programme and began to better understand the car’s behaviour in detail. I think we finished the week well.

In total, the team completed 318 laps and there is still a lot to do when we return to the track on Wednesday.

There is a lot to learn, but I leave these tests feeling much better than when we arrived, so a big thank you to the entire team for their excellent work this week.”

Summary Table – Test 1, Day 3

Related Articles: Days 1 and 2 of 2026 Pre-season Testing

Source: BWT Alpine Formula One Team