F2 racer Colapinto to drive Sargeant's Williams during first practice at Silverstone

Argentine F2 racer Franco Colapinto will make his Formula 1 race weekend debut when he drives Logan Sargeant’s Williams in British Grand Prix first practice.

The 21-year-old is enjoying a strong rookie season in feeder series F2, having won one race and scored two podiums in the last four rounds to sit fifth in the standings.

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The Williams Driver Academy racer will dovetail this opportunity, which will see him share the garage with Alex Albon, with his F2 duties on the same race weekend.

It will be the second time Colapinto has got behind the wheel of Formula 1 machinery, after he drove for Williams in last year’s young driver test in Abu Dhabi, and is part of a requirement for every team to run a young driver in FP1 at least twice during a season.

In driving on a Formula 1 race weekend, the 21-year-old will continue to follow in the footsteps of fellow Argentine racers Juan Manuel Fangio and Carlos Reutemann.

Colapinto has fond memories of Silverstone having won the Sprint race at the venue last year in F3, on his way to fourth in the drivers’ championship.

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“I have so many emotions,” said Colapinto. “I am extremely delighted and it’s a very important moment in my life and my career. I will be the most prepared I can; I will be doing a lot of laps in the simulator and studying the details needed to drive this year’s car.

“I’m really looking forward to experiencing the new car after driving last year’s in Abu Dhabi. To be able to drive it at a track like Silverstone is a privilege, it is one of my favourite tracks and to drive it at the team’s home race means a lot.

“To all the Argentine fans – I hope you enjoy FP1 as much as I’m going to! It’s an important moment for our country and I’m so grateful for all the support I’ve been given. I’m going to give my all to make you proud.”

Sporting Director Sven Smeets added: “Franco has had a very encouraging start to his debut season in F2 and we are delighted to reward his performances over the past two years with his first FP1 session.

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“We are proud of our talented group of drivers in the Williams Racing Driver Academy and it is important for us to give them the opportunity to progress and have these important chances as they move up the ladder.

“To showcase our talent at our home race at Silverstone is a nice moment and, of course, this is going to be a great day for the Argentine F1 fans.”