Ferrari reserve driver Antonio Giovinazzi labelled his test outing in the SF70-H in Bahrain as a “dream,” as he completed a day’s worth of post-race running.
Giovinazzi, 23, made his Formula 1 debut in Australia as a late replacement for Pascal Wehrlein, who withdrew due to a lack of fitness, caused by the back injury he sustained at the Race of Champions.
Giovinazzi went on to finish in 12th position and retained the Sauber seat for China, though crashed out heavily in both qualifying and the race, before Wehrlein returned for the Bahrain Grand Prix.
The Italian, whose previously sampled Ferrari’s 2015 car during a private run at Fiorano earlier this year, finished second to Lewis Hamilton at Sakhir on Tuesday, completing 93 laps.
“I enjoyed every single lap,” said Giovinazzi, whose best time of 1:31.984 came on the Super Soft tyres.
“To drive the car that won the last race and is leading the world championship, working with the Ferrari engineers and mechanics, is not just a great feeling, it’s a dream I’ve had since I was little and racing in karts. And today it came true.”
Giovinazzi was joined on circuit by Ferrari team-mate Sebastian Vettel, though the championship leader was conducting tyre testing in association with sole supplier Pirelli.
Vettel will take over from Giovinazzi for Wednesday’s running to conduct Ferrari’s programme.
