Carlos Sainz completed the first laps in a Ferrari F1 car on the Fiorano track where he drove the 2018 SF71H in preparation for the new 2021 F1 season, which is preceded by never shorter pre-season tests of just three days.
Sainz signed for Ferrari last season after two successful years at McLaren in which he finished sixth in the drivers ’standings, and today he drove the first laps in a red car behind the wheel of a 2018 Ferrari SF71H.
Due to very short pre-season testing lasting only three days this year, Ferrari was determined to provide a private test where Sainz will have the opportunity to learn about the new team and the procedures around using complex car systems specific to each team.
The Spaniard was given the opportunity as part of a five-day test at Fiorano, in which a total of seven drivers will drive 2018 SF71, the day after his new teammate Leclerc, and he will also drive on Thursday morning.
Sainz will have the first opportunity to test the new 2021 F1 car Ferrari SF21 at the pre-season tests that will take place this year on March 12-14 in Bahrain, the venue of the first race of the season (March 26 – 28).
“A day I will never forget!,” said Sainz.
“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 number 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 programme and I was able to familiarise 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, Laurent 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.”
Good morning like this ☀️
Benvenuto Carlos ?@Carlossainz55 #essereFerrari? pic.twitter.com/q51iJojZd4— Scuderia Ferrari (@ScuderiaFerrari) January 27, 2021
First time in red ?✅
What a memorable day for @CarlosSainz55 on track at Fiorano today ?? #essereFerrari ? pic.twitter.com/osz2gyRUbk
— Scuderia Ferrari (@ScuderiaFerrari) January 27, 2021
