Ferrari development driver Sacha Fenestraz has confirmed that he is scheduled to test a Formula 1 car for the Maranello team in 2027, marking an important step in his work behind the scenes. The former Super GT and Super Formula racer has already received confirmation of the opportunity, which will allow him to gain valuable track experience and improve his contribution to Ferrari’s simulator programme.
The French driver, who joined the Scuderia last summer, revealed his plans during the Singapore Grand Prix weekend. Although his role currently focuses on simulator development, he expects to make the transition from virtual testing to driving an actual Ferrari Formula 1 car through the team’s Testing of Previous Cars programme. The test is part of his preparation as a development driver rather than an announced opportunity to join the Formula 1 race line-up.
Sacha Fenestraz confirms Ferrari F1 test for 2027
Fenestraz has been working with Ferrari as a simulator driver since joining the Italian team, bringing experience accumulated across several international racing categories. His responsibilities involve helping the engineers evaluate the car in a simulated environment, contributing to the wider technical development process at Maranello.
During the Singapore weekend, he confirmed that Ferrari had already approved a future outing in one of its Formula 1 cars. Although an exact test date has not been established, the driver expects the opportunity to arrive in 2027.
He explained that a test had originally been planned for the following week, but he would be unable to attend because of his Super GT commitments at Autopolis. The scheduling conflict means he must wait longer before getting behind the wheel, although he remains confident that the opportunity will eventually take place.
For Fenestraz, the prospect represents an important personal milestone. The French driver has expressed considerable enthusiasm about joining Ferrari, describing the opportunity to work for one of motorsport’s most recognisable teams as the fulfilment of a longstanding ambition.
His progress also builds on his earlier involvement in Formula 1 simulator operations. Before moving to Maranello, he performed similar work with Mercedes at its Brackley headquarters, giving him experience of the technical environment surrounding a leading Formula 1 team.
The move to Ferrari has therefore allowed him to continue developing his simulator expertise while preparing for something he has been looking forward to: driving one of the team’s real Formula 1 cars on a circuit.
Why Ferrari wants Sacha Fenestraz to complete a TPC test
The planned outing will take place within Ferrari’s Testing of Previous Cars programme, commonly known as TPC. This format allows Formula 1 teams to conduct private running with machinery that is at least two years older than the current season’s cars.
For a test taking place in 2027, that would mean using an eligible older Formula 1 car rather than the latest specification competing in the championship.
The purpose of Fenestraz’s involvement extends beyond simply providing him with an opportunity to experience Formula 1 machinery. He explained that Ferrari wants him to gain genuine driving experience so that he can become more effective in his simulator responsibilities.
Understanding how a Formula 1 car behaves on a real circuit provides an important reference for subsequent simulator sessions. While virtual testing offers teams considerable development opportunities, drivers also benefit from knowing how the machinery feels and responds outside the simulated environment.
Fenestraz emphasised that simulator drivers need experience in a TPC car to strengthen their understanding of Formula 1 machinery. That makes the planned test a practical element of his development work rather than a purely ceremonial appearance.
Ferrari has already used previous-car testing as part of its wider simulator preparation programme. Earlier running at Mugello, involving drivers such as Norman Nato, Antonio Fuoco and Dino Beganovic, illustrated how the team combines private testing with its efforts to improve the relationship between simulated performance and real-world driving.
Ferrari development role follows previous Mercedes experience
Before beginning his work at Maranello, Sacha Fenestraz had already become familiar with the demands of Formula 1 simulation through his involvement with Mercedes. His previous experience at Brackley gave him a foundation for the work he now performs with Ferrari.
He explained that the responsibilities at the two teams share similarities, although joining the Italian manufacturer has particular personal significance. He expressed his enjoyment of working in Italy and having the opportunity to drive a Ferrari Formula 1 car in the simulator.
His involvement is part of a broader development structure that supports Ferrari’s Formula 1 activities. Simulator work allows engineers and drivers to explore different aspects of car performance without relying exclusively on track running.
Further context on his role and how it fits into Maranello’s operations can be found in the earlier ScuderiaFans coverage of Sacha Fenestraz’s Ferrari simulator responsibilities and F1 ambitions.
Such activities remain relevant as the Scuderia continues its technical preparations and development programmes. The team’s wider work on car performance and new components is covered in the Ferrari technical analysis section.
Super GT commitments affect the timing of Ferrari’s test
Although the 2027 test has been confirmed to Fenestraz, his existing racing commitments remain an important factor in determining when he can participate.
The French driver was initially expected to have an opportunity to drive the Ferrari shortly after the Singapore Grand Prix weekend. However, his scheduled Super GT appearance at Autopolis prevented him from attending the proposed session.
Fenestraz indicated that he was prepared to wait until another suitable opportunity became available. His main priority is to complete the track running needed to improve his simulator performance, rather than insisting on a particular date.
The postponed outing also highlights the demands facing development drivers who continue to compete in other championships. Their racing schedules must be coordinated with the availability of Formula 1 cars, test venues and the teams’ technical programmes.
For Ferrari, the planned session will provide Fenestraz with a better understanding of the machinery he helps develop virtually. For the driver himself, it will also represent the opportunity to experience a Ferrari Formula 1 car beyond the simulator for the first time.
A new step in Ferrari’s preparations for the 2027 F1 season
Ferrari’s decision to give Sacha Fenestraz track time reflects the importance of developing the drivers who contribute to its simulator operations. Their work forms part of the broader process of assessing car performance and supporting the engineers responsible for technical development.
The Scuderia has already demonstrated the value it places on TPC sessions through its use of previous Formula 1 machinery for driver preparation. Those programmes provide a connection between the team’s virtual development environment and the experience gained on an actual circuit.
With Fenestraz now expecting his own opportunity in 2027, Ferrari will add another driver to its programme of real-world preparation for simulator duties.
The precise date of his outing remains dependent on scheduling, but the French driver has received the confirmation he was waiting for. His next major step with the Maranello team will be to translate his simulator experience into laps behind the wheel of a Ferrari Formula 1 car.
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