Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel says the “spectacular” Mugello Circuit deserves to hold a Formula 1 event in 2020, after testing at the venue on Tuesday.
Vettel and team-mate Charles Leclerc shared driving duties in the 2018-spec SF71H at the Ferrari-owned track, allowing the squad to practice new anti Covid-19 protocols ahead of next weekend’s first round in Austria.
Mugello, which has never hosted a Formula 1 race, is a strong contender to hold a grand prix in 2020, potentially a week after the Italian Grand Prix, due to take place on September 6 at Monza.
Vettel carried out running during the morning in warm and sunny conditions at a venue where he had not driven since an in-season Formula 1 test back in 2012.
“I was glad to get back in the cockpit after a break that was even longer than the usual winter one,” said Vettel. “I was also very pleased to see all the guys from the team at last.
“It was great to once again get those feelings from a car and to do so at such a spectacular track. I really think Mugello deserves to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix.
“I hadn’t driven it for eight years, so it took a few laps for me to get used to the track and then I really enjoyed myself.”
Leclerc, who demonstrated Ferrari’s 2020-spec SF1000 through Maranello’s streets last Thursday, took over during the afternoon.
“Even though I’ve been pretty busy with virtual racing during this long break, I needed to once again get that physical impression of speed,” said Leclerc.
“Being able to drive on such a spectacular track as Mugello, for the first time at the wheel of a Formula 1 car, helped to make this day even more memorable.”
Further Formula 1 action is due to take place elsewhere in Italy on Wednesday with AlphaTauri running its AT01 at Imola.
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