F1 News: Ferrari Sets Stage For Pirelli Tire Test At Circuit De Barcelona-Catalunya
Ferrari revealed that it will be taking part in a Pirelli tire test on the 29th, 30th, and 31st January, at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. Participating in the test will be drivers Charles Leclerc, Carlos Sainz, Oliver Bearman, and Arthur Leclerc.
But, as opposed to the expectation that it would be testing the 2024 car, Ferrari will be unleashing last year's title contender on the circuit- the SF-23, alongside the 2022 car, the F1-75. This test session follows shortly after Charles Leclerc signed a multi-year contract extension, guaranteeing his continuation with the team beyond the introduction of the new regulations in 2026.
Ferrari also welcomed Leclerc's brother Arthur, who will take on the role of development driver, while Bearman was added to the team's pool of reserve drivers. Regarding Sainz, an extension to his contract is anticipated soon, as his current agreement with the team concludes at the end of the year.
With the pre-season testing in Bahrain set to arrive in a month, Ferrari announced the three-day Pirelli test last week. The Maranello outfit is the second team after Visa Cash App RB (formerly known as AlphaTauri), to indulge in track action in old F1 cars before the upcoming session in Bahrain.
On the 29th, both F1 drivers Leclerc and Sainz are scheduled to test Pirelli rubber using the SF-23. It's also the day when Arthur will make his debut driving an F1 car, specifically the F1-75. The tire testing with the SF-23 and F1-75 cars will continue for Leclerc and Sainz on the 30th, with Bearman concluding the session by driving the F1-75 on the 31st.
All this while the team's 2024 title contender takes form in Maranello, set to be unveiled by Ferrari on Tuesday, February 13. While the team has high hopes of the new car challenging Red Bull, only time will tell if it has the potential to disrupt Red Bull's winning streak.
