The decision for Colapinto to replace Doohan has been expected since last weekend’s Miami Grand Prix, but the plan to effectively give the 21-year-old five races to prove himself against Doohan’s performances was not.
Alpine executive adviser Flavio Briatore said in a statement: “Having reviewed the opening races of the season, we have come to the decision to put Franco in the car alongside Pierre for the next five races.
“With the field being so closely matched this year, and with a competitive car, which the team has drastically improved in the past 12 months, we are in a position where we see the need to rotate our line-up.
“We also know the 2026 season will be an important one for the team and having a complete and fair assessment of the drivers this season is the right thing to do in order to maximise our ambitions next year. “
The statement said that Doohan remained “an integral part of the team” and would be first-choice reserve driver during this period.
The team also have Estonian Paul Aron on their books.
Briatore added: “We continue to support Jack at the team, as he has acted in a very professional manner in his role as a race driver so far this season.
“The next five races will give us an opportunity to try something different and after this time period we will assess our options.”
Colapinto said he would “work hard” and that the three races on consecutive weekends at Imola, Monaco and Barcelona would “no doubt be intense and a big challenge for everyone”.
He added: “I will do my best to get up to speed quickly and give it my all to deliver the best possible results alongside Pierre.”
Doohan, the son of five-time MotoGP champion Mick Doohan, said: “Obviously, this latest chapter is a tough one for me to take because, as a professional driver, naturally I want to be racing.
“That said, I appreciate the team’s trust and commitment. We have long-term goals as a team to achieve and I will continue to give my maximum efforts in any way I can to help achieve those.
“For now, I will keep my head down, keep working hard, watch with interest the next five races and keep chasing my own personal goals.”
The announcement comes only 12 hours after the team announced that team principal Oliver Oakes had resigned. Briatore, the real authority all along, will assume his responsibilities.
