Ferrari announces its drivers and testing program at Fiorano
Scuderia Ferrari has just announced the organization of a private testing program on their Fiorano track. Seven drivers will be sharing the wheel throughout next week.
If private testing has become very restricted over the years, testing at the wheel of a car older than two years is still in practice in Formula 1.
Ferrari has just revealed the schedule for several private test days at the Italian Fiorano circuit with the SF71-H, a 2018 car.
First run in red for Carlos Sainz
During these, the Scuderia made sure to offer track time to as many of its drivers as possible.
We obviously find the team’s leader, Charles Leclerc, who has been with Ferrari since 2019 and will drive for the first time since contracting Covid-19 in January. The Monegasque will take the wheel on Tuesday.
His new teammate at the Reds, Carlos Sainz will also be part of it. For the Spaniard, it will be his first appearance at the wheel of a Ferrari, as he joins this season from McLaren and was unable to participate in the Abu Dhabi tests.
Sainz will be behind the wheel on Wednesday and Thursday morning. This will allow him to familiarize himself with the Ferrari environment, his new engineers, as well as the different procedures.
The leaders of the Ferrari Driver Academy rewarded
In addition to the regular drivers, Ferrari has decided to give track time to 5 of its young drivers.
We will therefore have the privilege of appreciating Mick Schumacher once again at the wheel of a red single-seater. The future Haas driver will be present on Thursday afternoon and Friday morning.
The Scuderia’s test driver and F2 Vice-champion, Callum Ilott will be present on Friday afternoon to conclude these tests.
Before them, Monday will be dedicated to their fellow drivers, namely Robert Shwartzman, Giuliano Alesi, and Marcus Armstrong.
If the Russian, retained at Prema in F2 after a good first season, has already had the joy of driving an F1 at the Abu Dhabi tests, it is, on the other hand, a baptism of fire for his French and American counterparts. For the first time since 1996 and his illustrious father, an Alesi will drive a Ferrari.
These tests will therefore be a way for the Scuderia to prepare somewhat before the short winter testing session scheduled in Bahrain from March 12 to 14.
