All the teams are preparing for the upcoming 2022 season to reach the month of March with the best possible car, and Ferrari is no exception. Although this year’s car cannot yet be put on the track, the Italians took the opportunity to shoot the 2018 SF71H at the Fiorano circuit.
On the second day of testing, the pair of regular drivers took control of the Cavallino for the first time in 2022, and both Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc enjoyed several kilometers that will serve to get ready.
The Spaniard got into the car shortly after 9:30 a.m., although the weather conditions were not ideal, as the track still had some patches of water and the ambient temperature did not exceed 3 degrees.
The #55 completed 59 laps , the equivalent of around 176 kilometres, something that was useful in his preparation for the upcoming Barcelona test to be held from 23 to 25 February.
“Exactly a year ago I drove a Ferrari for the first time,” Sainz recalled. “I have to say that although some things have changed, as I now know everyone and feel at home, driving here is always special, I am very happy to see so many fans watching us from outside the track, that’s why I wanted to go say hi when I’m done with my session.
The man from Madrid also explained how his day went: “Right now, like the rest of the riders, we are working in the simulator or training very hard in the gym.”
“However, when it comes to the demands you can put on your body, nothing comes close to being in the car, so being able to drive before the season starts, no matter what car, is always useful.” , he indicated.
“It gives the body a wake-up call, reminding you what it means to be a Formula 1 driver,” Carlos Sainz concluded.
Charles Leclerc , for his part, took the wheel in the afternoon session, and rolled 48 laps, around 143 kilometers. The Monegasque, who is preparing his fourth year with Ferrari, ended up very enthusiastic.
“Our fans are special. It’s very cold today, but they didn’t want to miss this first test of the season, at least I had the engine to be warm,” he said in a humorous tone.
The two-time grand prix winner continued: “After a month and a half out of the car, I was really looking forward to driving again. It’s been a lot of fun and it was useful training.”
“I am looking forward to getting back on track in Barcelona with the 2022 car to start this new era of Formula 1 and see if all the work we have done since last year pays off.”
In this way, the duo from the most prestigious team in the Grand Circus completed a total of 107 laps and 319 kilometres.
The Russian driver, Robert Shwartzman will get back into the SF71H on the last day of filming for Ferrari after having completed 44 laps last Wednesday, and we will have to wait until February 17 to see the new Italian car.
