Antonio Giovinazzi says he is regarding himself as a proper Formula 1 rookie as he prepares to contest the 2019 season with Alfa Romeo.
Giovinazzi has already participated in two Formula 1 races – for Alfa Romeo’s predecessor Sauber – in 2017, having been drafted in as a late replacement for Pascal Wehrlein.
Giovinazzi has also racked up a wealth of test experience for Ferrari, Haas and Sauber since finishing runner-up in the 2016 GP2 Series.
Three drivers on the 2019 grid – Alexander Albon, Lando Norris and George Russell – have yet to start a race, while Giovinazzi and Robert Kubica have had lengthy absences from competitive action.
“I think for sure to test is something, but a race weekend is completely different,” said Giovinazzi.
“I miss this since two years already.
“Melbourne will be a completely different thing; to spend a race weekend in Formula 1 is not easy, there’s a lot of media, a lot of meetings, it’s something new for me, so I will think I’m a rookie as well this way.
“I’m considering [myself as] a rookie as well as when I did the two races in 2017 I only knew on Saturday morning and China I missed Friday because of the weather, so it was not expected, these two races.
“But finally I know this will be my season, Melbourne I will say is my properly first race.”
Giovinazzi finished fifth on his first full day in Alfa Romeo’s C38, racking up 101 laps, and beamed at the experience.
“I waited for too long I would say, two years, but finally today I was really happy, like I was waking up for Christmas!
“I just want to jump back [in the car] on Thursday and learn how much I can improve the car and make sure in Melbourne everything will work well.”
