As Ferrari waits for Formula 1 action to resume in Canada, the Scuderia has returned to the track with a private SF-25 test programme. Taking advantage of the break in the racing calendar, which also affects the junior categories, the Maranello team travelled to the Hungaroring for a private Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) session involving two Ferrari Driver Academy talents.
Earlier in April, Arthur Leclerc had already taken part in a similar programme at Mugello alongside Ferrari’s regular World Endurance Championship drivers Antonio Giovinazzi and Antonio Fuoco, with the trio putting an older Ferrari chassis through its paces. This latest outing saw Frederic Vasseur’s team hand track time to two of its youngest prospects, with one of them making his Formula 1 debut.
The programme offers Formula 2 drivers Dino Beganovic and Rafael Camara a valuable opportunity to gain Formula 1 mileage and first-hand experience as they continue their path toward the pinnacle of motorsport. Beyond pure lap count, the sessions allow the young drivers to become familiar with the complex environment of an F1 garage and develop the mindset required to respond effectively when future opportunities arise.
As per Formula 1 regulations, teams are required to allocate four FP1 sessions per season to rookie drivers, and Ferrari clearly has two strong candidates in its Ferrari Driver Academy line-up. The Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona could become the first realistic opportunity to place a rookie in the car, although discussions remain ongoing due to the reduced calendar.
Several teams, particularly following the cancellation of the Bahrain Grand Prix—which would normally have been an ideal venue for rookie appearances given the extensive pre-season testing mileage—are reportedly pushing to reduce the mandatory rookie FP1 sessions from four to two, limiting the occasions where full-time race drivers must hand over their cars.
This latest test session was deliberately held away from the usual spotlight and in a less conventional location, allowing Ferrari to work in a quieter environment without the attention typically associated with Fiorano, Mugello, or Monza.
Across May 13 and 14, Dino Beganovic and Rafael Camara have been circulating at Budapest’s recently upgraded Hungaroring facilities in what has been described as a private training programme with no mileage restrictions, using an older SF-25-spec Ferrari for the running.
While this was not a first Formula 1 experience for Swedish driver Dino Beganovic—who already completed two FP1 appearances last season—it marked a landmark moment for 21-year-old Brazilian Formula 3 champion Rafael Camara, who experienced his very first run in a Formula 1 car.
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