Ferrari’s newest Formula One driver Carlos Sainz Jr. has completed his first test with the team driving a 2018 car at Fiorano.
The Spaniard is adamant it’s yielded lots of details that will be useful in his first year with the team. For Sainz those details relate specifically to Ferrari’s systems processes, people and the differences to his previous employer McLaren.
But they are not the only revealing elements from his first on-track appearance in red other particulars of his day and a half in the SF71H also give us a telling example of how Sainz is attacking this massive career opportunity.
Sainz will get his first chance to sample the 2021 car, the Ferrari SF21, when pre-season testing takes place in Bahrain from 12-14 March.
“Of course it’s not the 2021 car and it’s very different tires very different regulations,” Sainz said.
“One of the most special moments for me today was when I arrived at the circuit and I saw the Ferrari with my number 55 on it. I was eager to jump in the car and that first installation lap was exciting.” Sainz added.
A 2018 car test is of limited value to an experienced ferrari driver like Charlotte Claire who drove the day before Sainz beyond blowing off any cobwebs.
But for a newcomer like Sainz, it’s a first chance to explore the specifics of Ferrari trackside if not learning a great deal about the car’s performance.
Driving something like the 2018 car built to outdated aerodynamic specifications means elements like the Ferrari steering wheel are of much more relevance than the car it’s attached to and Sainz is adamant there were many areas that will be useful when he finally drives the 2021 car and gets into the season.
