Alesi and Armstrong make Ferrari F1 test debuts at Fiorano

By Sylvester Simmonds 11 December, 2021 3 mins read 414 Views

Alesi Sr first tested a Ferrari 641 in November 1990, and his son got his chance in a 2018 SF71H – with the same number, 28, that his father used in that test and his inaugural season at Ferrari in 1991.

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His first run was hampered by wet track and cold conditions, but after a run on wet tires he was put on slicks while his father watched from the sidelines.

“I would like to thank Ferrari and the FDA for this fantastic opportunity today,” said Alesi Jr, who will be competing in Japan next season. “It was incredibly exciting to get into the cockpit of the SF71H, just like driving the car on the track, while my father watched and wore the same number as him.

“The car isn’t too difficult to drive in terms of handling, but the power was surprising and it never seems to end. The immediacy and efficiency of the braking is also impressive. For me, this test was the best possible way to say goodbye to Ferrari. Now a new adventure awaits me in Asia and I can’t wait for it to begin. “

Giuliano Alesi, Ferrari SF71H

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Photo by: Ferrari

Giuliano Alesi, Ferrari SF71H

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Photo by: Ferrari

Giuliano Alesi, Ferrari

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Photo by: Ferrari

Marcus Armstrong, Ferrari SF71H

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Photo by: Ferrari

Marcus Armstrong, Ferrari SF71H

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Photo by: Ferrari

Marcus Armstrong, Ferrari SF71H

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Photo by: Ferrari

Marcus Armstrong, Ferrari

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Photo by: Ferrari

Armstrong was only the second New Zealander to ever drive a Ferrari F1 car after Chris Amon, who competed for the Prancing Horse in the late 1960s.

“That was of course a special day in my life and it went exactly as I expected,” said Armstrong, who will stay in FIA Formula 2 in 2021 after signing for the DAMS team. “But that doesn’t mean that I had any less fun!

“Sitting behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car for the first time is always something magical and if the car is a Ferrari then it’s really unforgettable. People always say that the braking is the most impressive aspect and it was, but the aerodynamic downforce, cornering speed, steering, power and perfect gear changes are all on a different planet from the other racing categories .

“I want to thank Ferrari and the FDA for making this day possible, and I can’t wait to get into a Formula 1 car again in the future.”

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Armstrong’s F2 rival Robert Shwartzman also drove the car on Monday after first testing it in Fiorano late last year and then completing 129 laps in a contemporary car in the 2020 season end test in Abu Dhabi.