Federico Basile/Motorsport Images
Sainz thrilled by first Ferrari run at Fiorano
Carlos Sainz says he couldn’t have asked for a better first day driving a Ferrari after a full day testing a 2018 car at the Fiorano test track in Italy.
Ferrari is running a week-long testing schedule at its private venue, giving seven different drivers track time as well as working on procedures and preparations for the single pre-season test in Bahrain in six weeks’ time. After three Formula 2 drivers took to the track on Monday and Charles Leclerc yesterday, Sainz followed his new teammate on Wednesday and completed more than 100 laps in the SF71H.
https://twitter.com/ScuderiaFerrari/status/1354490047714766858?s=20
“A day I will never forget!” Sainz said. “This morning, the alarm went off at dawn because we had some very early meetings before going out on track. One of the most special moments for me today was when I arrived at the circuit and I saw the Ferrari with my No. 55 on it! I was eager to jump in the car and that first installation lap was exciting.
“Then we got down to work and I am very pleased with how the day unfolded. We were able to get through an extensive program and I was able to familiarize myself with the whole setup: the engineers and mechanics, the steering wheel, the procedures which are obviously a bit different to those on the car I drove last season.
“It was very nice to have my father there at such an important moment in my career. And I’d like to thank Mattia (Binotto), Laurent (Mekies) and everyone at Ferrari for such a warm welcome and such a positive first day in the 2018 car. I am very happy and could not have wished for a better start.”
As well as having his father Carlos Sainz Sr. present, Sainz was watched by Leclerc for the opening part of the day before the Monegasque driver carried out a seat fitting for the 2021 car in Maranello. Sainz will drive again on Thursday morning before handing over to Mick Schumacher, with Callum Ilott rounding out the week's running.
Chris Medland
While studying Sports Journalism at the University of Central Lancashire, Chris managed to talk his way into working at the British Grand Prix in 2008 and was retained for three years before joining ESPN F1 as Assistant Editor. After three further years at ESPN, a spell as F1 Editor at Crash Media Group was followed by the major task of launching F1i.com’s English-language website and running it as Editor. Present at every race since the start of 2014, he has continued building his freelance portfolio, working with international titles. As well as writing for RACER, his broadcast work includes television appearances on F1 TV and as a presenter and reporter on North America's live radio coverage on SiriusXM.
Read Chris Medland's articles
For Ford Racing NHRA Funny Car ace Austin Prock, it’s a family affair
Latest News
Comments
Comments are disabled until you accept Social Networking Cookies. Update cookie preferences
If the dialog doesn't appear, ad-blockers are often the cause; try disabling yours or see our Social Features Support.