Ferrari Driver Academy drivers testing at Fiorano
F2 drivers Marcus Armstrong and Robert Shwartzman were able to test at Fiorano for the Ferrari Driver Academy. Giuliano Alesi also took the wheel of the Ferrari as a farewell to Ferrari, while Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz are driving this Tuesday.
The Ferrari team is on the circuit of its HQ, in Fiorano for 5 days of testing and 7 drivers involved. It is Giuliano Alesi who drove first, just 30 years after his father, Jean Alesi, made his debut in a Ferrari. The car used is the 2018 SF71H, as testing cannot be conducted on more recent F1 models.
Forced to leave the Ferrari Driver Academy after five years, Giuliano Alesi was able to drive the 2018 SF1H in front of his father Jean Alesi. He was the first on Monday morning to test drive alongside two other FDA drivers: Marcus Armstrong and Robert Shwartzman.
« I would like to thank Ferrari and the FDA for their superb work today » explained the French driver. « Being in the cockpit of the SF71H was so great, especially since I drove with the same number as my father, who was watching the tests from the garage. »
« The car was not difficult to handle but the power is surprising and seems never-ending. The brakes are impressive. This test was, for me, the best possible start with Ferrari. Now a new adventure begins for me in Asia and I am eager for it to start. » comments Giuliano Alesi.
Marcus Armstrong, who scored 2 podiums last year in F2, tested an F1 for the first time: « Obviously, it was a very special day for me, and it went exactly as I had hoped. That doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy every second. It’s always a magical moment to try an F1 for the first time, and people say it’s unforgettable. It’s often said that the braking is the most impressive part, and it truly was. The aerodynamic downforce is also phenomenal, with impressive handling in the corners, as well as the sensations provided by the steering, power, or the discreet gear changes. »
« It’s like being on another planet compared to other single-seaters. » commented the young 20-year-old driver. « I want to thank the FDA and Ferrari for this and I am eager to get back in a Formula 1. »
The Ferrari team is on the track at its HQ in Fiorano for 5 days of testing with 7 drivers involved. Giuliano Alesi was the first to drive, exactly 30 years after his father, Jean Alesi, made his debut in a Ferrari. The car used is the 2018 SF71H, as tests cannot be conducted with more recent F1 models.
Robert Shwartzman also showed enthusiasm. The Russian driver won 4 races in F2 for his first season and must therefore progress with the ambition of F1: « Driving a Ferrari Formula 1 is always a privilege and I must say that I was starting to miss that feeling. We worked today on improving my feedback to set up the car, and I hope I did a good job. I felt very comfortable in the car very quickly and immediately regained the sensations I felt a month ago in Abu Dhabi. Now I need to focus on Formula 2 and Prema Team, but I hope to have other opportunities to sit in a Ferrari. »
After the young driver tests, it will be the turn of the regular drivers to drive the SF71H this Tuesday. Leclerc will take the wheel on Tuesday while Carlos Sainz will make his debut behind a red F1 on Wednesday.
Mick Schumacher and Callum Ilott will take over on Thursday and Friday to finish the program in Fiorano.
Photos of the young drivers test at the Ferrari Driver Academy in Fiorano
