AlphaTauri became the latest Formula 1 team to return to on-track action as it undertook running at former grand prix venue Imola on Wednesday.
AlphaTauri has typically used Misano for its filming days but the venue was booked by a handful of MotoGP teams.
Instead the squad headed to Imola, just 15km from its base in Faenza, and which held Formula 1 grands prix from 1980 through 2006.
The squad had both its 2018-spec STR13 and current car the AT01 available, with Pierre Gasly and Daniil Kvyat getting behind the wheel.
Imola, following renovation works in the late 2000s, holds a Grade 1 license required by the FIA to run a Formula 1 grand prix but it is understood to be an outsider for a 2020 race.
Mugello, owned by Ferrari, is a strong favourite to be the second Italian round on the 2020 schedule, a week after the traditional Italian Grand Prix at Monza.
“I was really happy to be back on track after such a long wait,” said Gasly.
“I had really missed that feeling you get from driving so it was incredible to be back in the STR13 and the AT01. We had a really smooth day, doing some laps in both cars.
“I woke up this morning feeling excited and happy and I will fall asleep tonight in the same mood. It was also special to drive a Formula 1 car at Imola, which is one of my favourite tracks. I think we are now ready for Austria.”
