Ferrari plan to run 2019 F1 car prior to testing

Ferrari is planning to get the first shakedown of its 2019 car before pre-season testing kicks off on February 18th. The team will launch the new challenger three days beforehand at Maranello, and then it will travel to the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

Teams are permitted to run two promotional runs throughout the year, with the regulations stating that they must be "purely for marketing or promotional purposes". Running must not exceed 100km, and demonstration-spec Pirelli tyres are used.  

The Italian squad is set to take to the Barcelona circuit one day before the start of pre-season testing. However, should unforeseen delays halt the filming day run, it is believed they will instead do it following the first week of testing.

While the runs offer teams a good chance to give exposure to their sponsors, it is also useful to identify any early issues that it can expect before official testing kicks off. 

* Launch is for the team's new 'identity', car launch date TBC