F1: Giovinazzi signed as Ferrari’s reserve

At Ferrari's annual media Christmas lunch at its Maranello headquarters, president Sergio Marchionne announced the addition of GP2 star Antonio Giovinazzi to its driver line-up, with the Italian taking on the role of reserve driver to Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen next season.

"We are not taking Giovinazzi to emulate the example of Max Verstappen, who is quite unique," Marchionne told the media during Ferrari's Christmas lunch. "We take him on board because he is a very good driver and Ferrari needs young talents that are ready to enter F1."

Giovinazzi impressed during his debut GP2 season this year, with the rookie fighting young Red Bull driver and Prema powertrain teammate Pierre Gasly – himself in his third year of GP2 – for the title until the final round in the same car. Giovinazzi's five race wins in 2016 were more than any other driver.

"We took him because he is a great driver," Marchionne said, "but I'm am very pleased also that he is an Italian.”

The 23-year-old has already had simulator experience at Ferrari, having been invited to Maranello earlier this year following his impressive GP2 performances.