After a full week of testing, calm returned to the Fiorano circuit from tonight. Ferrari has given five drivers from the Ferrari Driver Academy, in addition to their regular drivers Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, the opportunity to drive an F1 car. Although there were different reasons why they were allowed in, there was an atmosphere of togetherness around the circuit.
So says Sporting Director at Ferrari, Laurent Mekies, on Ferrari’s official channels: “I think the best thing about this week was the atmosphere in the garage of our home circuit: all the guys really wanted to get back to work and get ready for the season that is about to start.
“Seven drivers on track over five days, covering over 1,500 kilometres together, made for a busy week,” said Mekies. “This test was important to give especially the Scuderia’s official drivers, Charles and Carlos, the chance to regain their confidence on the track after the winter break, while it was a further opportunity for the boys from the Ferrari Driver Academy to gain experience in Formula One.”
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With the exception of Mick Schumacher, who will drive F1 for the Haas team in 2021, the other drivers can still be seen in Formula 2 next season. For Marcus Armstrong, who comes over from Formula 3, it was even the first time he drove an F1 car. For Giuliano Alesi, it was probably the last time.
“For some of them – I’m thinking of Carlos and Marcus – the test was a ‘first’: the debut with his new team for the Spaniard and the first time in a premier class car for the New Zealander. For Giuliano it was a gift before the end of his career in the FDA.”
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