Top team MP Motorsport has lined-up Franco Colapinto and Oliver Goethe for an assault on the newly formed Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine.
Colapinto starred in the Formula Renault Eurocup last year while Goethe will step up from Spanish Formula 4, both drivers continuing their association with the Dutch squad after a successful 2020.
Argentinean driver Colapinto was MP’s star performer in the Formula Renault Eurocup last year, taking two wins on his way to a strong third in the final standings. Monaco-based Danish driver Goethe was a race winner in his debut season in the Spanish Formula 4 Championship, ending up fifth in the standings. MP will announce its third Formula Regional driver shortly.
“I’m pleased to remain with MP for my second year at this level”, said Colapinto, “We are here to win and I know that MP and I have what it takes to grab our first Formula Regional title. I will have a couple of strong team-mates, so I’m sure we will spur each other on to great things.
"It’s amazing to have a fellow Bullet [managed] athlete on board. Ollie [Goethe] is really quick and we’ve been working together since last year, so I’m looking forward to making this step. I can’t wait to test the new car and get the season going.”
“I am extremely happy to be stepping up a category after one season in Spanish F4”, added Goethe, “My management group and I believe there was no reason to change teams after a very positive season and I really enjoy the atmosphere and professionalism at MP.
"They have been awesome in Formula Renault in the past years, and I’m convinced they will also deliver in Formula Regional. I can only be pleased about having Franco as my team-mate, he has the experience at this level and he's been helping me a lot in my first season in cars.”
“I’m proud to announce this strong pair of drivers for our Formula Regional European assault”, said Sander Dorsman, MP Motorsport’s team manager, “Franco and Oliver form the perfect mix of speed, fighting spirit and intelligence. Both staying with us for a second season shows the confidence they have in MP being able to deliver. We will do our best not to disappoint them, as I’m sure they will give their all for us.”
Having stepped from a successful career in karting, Colapinto stormed to the Spanish F4 title in 2019. Joining MP in 2020, the Buenos Aires-born youngster claimed third in the Formula Renault Eurocup. In the winter of 2019-20, Colapinto had already finished third in the Toyota Racing Series in New Zealand.
Goethe climbed through the ranks of karting, becoming Vice-Champion in the French IAME Series in X30 Junior in 2018. In 2020, Goethe made the leap from karts to single-seater cars, competing in the F4 Spanish Championship with MP Motorsport.