Ferrari enthusiasts in Quebec, as well as all Formula 1 fans, have reason to rejoice. The Formula 1 organization, which had to cancel or postpone the first 10 races of its 2020 calendar due to COVID-19, has published a revised calendar of 8 races, all in Europe, beginning on July 3rd.
Ferrari tests
Obviously, the Ferrari team was delighted with this announcement and began a series of track tests and training sessions to ensure that these races are run in optimal conditions.
The Canadian Grand Prix returns
With the recent announcement that the Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix will be held in Montreal over Thanksgiving weekend, October 9-11, 2020, Ferrari fans and owners have even more reason to rejoice. The city will be ablaze with excitement, and numerous celebrities will gather for the event.
The lockdown has already deprived them of one of their greatest pleasures for far too long.
2 pilots for the tests
As preparations intensify for the Austrian Grand Prix, which opens the season on July 5, Ferrari has called up both its drivers for a test at the Mugello circuit with the SF71-H on June 23. Charles Leclerc and Sebastian Vettel will share the test.
This will not only allow the drivers to get back up to speed but also help them better adapt to the physical demands of F1 on a high-speed circuit.
Tests in Maranello
Earlier that same week, Ferrari ran its 2020 challenger on a demonstration circuit in Maranello, with the aim of briefly testing the car after it had been in storage since the cancellation of the Australian Grand Prix.
A stroll through the city streets
In addition, Charles Leclerc kicked off Ferrari’s preparations for Formula 1’s return by driving his 2020 car through the streets of Maranello.
Leclerc’s early morning “stroll” took him to Gestione Sportiva, where Ferrari’s F1 cars have been designed, built, and developed since 2015. He also drove past the Maranello museum. Ferrari noted that he is the first driver of the modern era to drive an F1 car through Maranello.
The Monaco native tweeted a wry apology to the town’s residents who had been woken up by the car.
Leclerc extends his contract with Ferrari
At the start of the year, Leclerc, who won three races in his first year with the team in 2019, signed a contract extension until 2024. His current teammate, Sebastian Vettel, will leave the team at the end of the year and will be replaced by Carlos Sainz from McLaren in 2021.
Races held behind closed doors in secure conditions
When the season resumes next month in Austria, it will be held behind closed doors and under strict protocols to ensure the safety of personnel. With this in mind, the teams are eager to implement these protocols and eliminate any discomfort.
Regulations prevent Ferrari from running cars and tires that conform to 2020 standards, but they are permitted to use Pirelli Academy tires from older cars.
Certainly, with these tests and drivers, Ferrari has everything it needs to be at the forefront of Formula 1.
