Friday: Difficult Start for Badoer at Ferrari

In this season-opening Grand Prix in Spain as part of the European Grand Prix, there were three rookies, including Luca Badoer for Scuderia Ferrari. The Italian driver was making his return to competition after ten years. F1 has changed, and it’s not easy to come back, especially on an urban track he has never set foot on. He is considered the slowest driver of this first day of testing.

It will therefore be Kimi Räikkönen who must secure the points this weekend. His initial practice sessions went well with average lap times as he is just outside the top 10. Michael Schumacher is present and is doing what he can to advise Badoer.

Luca Badoer – 20th and 18th:

« I am happy with the way things went today. I expected a difficult day and it was. I didn’t make any major mistakes and thus ensured the program we had set up. Now we can start working on setting up the car to try to adapt it to my driving style. The team hasn’t set a specific goal for me this weekend, and I’m happy about that because it’s important to be confident. I am also grateful to Michael [Schumacher] who wanted to be here this weekend. It is important for me to be able to count on his support, especially from a human point of view and, of course, regarding technical issues. »

Kimi Räikkönen – 10th and 11th:

« I am happy with the handling of the car and the performance with the two types of tires we have here from Bridgestone. There’s not much to say about the timesheet because, as usual for a Friday, it doesn’t tell us much. The first session was quite difficult because the track was very dirty and slippery, but in the second session, the situation was much better. I think the podium is still a realistic goal for us, although many things will depend on where we qualify. »

Stefano Domenicali – Team Principal:

« My first thoughts are with Felipe [Massa] today and once again, on behalf of the whole team, I wish him a speedy recovery. As of today, his seat in car 3 is occupied by Luca Badoer, who has a difficult task ahead, but he can count on the support of everyone, knowing that Ferrari has full confidence in him. Considering his situation, a long period without racing, an unknown circuit, the first day can be regarded as a positive experience for Luca. It is clear that this start to the weekend really amounts to a test session for him. For this Grand Prix, it’s Kimi [Räikkönen] who needs to achieve a good result to defend our third place in the constructors’ standings, which, at this stage of the season, remains our realistic objective. »