Schumacher to test with Ferrari and Alfa Romeo in Bahrain
- Published on 26 Mar 2019 10:07
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- By: Fergal Walsh
Mick Schumacher will make his official Formula 1 test debut next week at the in-season test in Bahrain.
The two-day test, which kicks off on Tuesday, will see Schumacher behind the wheel of the Ferrari SF90 on the opening day of running before he steps into the Alfa Romeo on Wednesday.
Schumacher joined the Ferrari Driver Academy over the winter break and has had rumours circulating around him for some time about a test outing.
Alfa Romeo will continue to work with the Ferrari Driver Academy at the second in-season test in Barcelona, with Callum Ilott getting behind the wheel of the C38.
“We are firm believers in the value of the Ferrari Driver Academy, as a high level training programme for talented youngsters and the decision to give Charles Leclerc a race seat with our team is proof of that," said Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto.
“We are therefore very pleased to be able to give Mick and Callum the opportunity to experience driving a Formula 1 car.
“Mick, who joined the FDA in January, and Callum, who has been with us since 2017, are definitely drivers on their way up and I believe that driving the SF90 in an official setting such as the tests in Bahrain and Barcelona can be very useful at this stage in their career.”
Schumacher's F1 outing will follow his opening Formula 2 race weekend, and he says all thoughts of the test are being cast aside in preparation for his F2 debut.
"I am really looking forward to what I’m sure will be a great experience," Schumacher said.
"But for the moment, I am consciously putting all thoughts of the test to one side, because I am also very much looking forward to competing in my first F2 race and would like to focus a hundred percent on the weekend to come.”
Sebastian Vettel will complete testing duties for Ferrari on Wednesday.
"It is in our team’s DNA to spot and nurture young talents. Mick and Callum are perfect examples of determined and skilled racers who deserve to be given the chance to take the next steps in their careers," said Alfa Romeo team principal Frederic Vasseur.
"Collaborating with two such promising drivers is great news for our team, and we look forward to working together.”
In 2018, Schumacher stormed to the FIA European Formula 3 championship, beating Red Bull junior Dan Ticktum to the title.
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Replies (7)
Login to replycalle.itw
Posts: 8,527
This ought to be interesting.
Ram Samartha
Posts: 1,172
Should be good but they should let him focus on his F2 season without too much distraction.
Fergal Walsh
Posts: 46
Or they should prepare him as much as possible before an F1 seat ;)
Ram Samartha
Posts: 1,172
Agree but arguably it's better preparation to race than to do tests. Both are probably good for him as long a he can focus on his racing as ultimately that's what matters. Ferrari is the kind of team that's likely to see him as a silver bullet to all their problems. It's obvious Vettel isn't the kind of leader that Michael was.
Pistonhead
Posts: 556
One assumes if Mick is on the way up, he would first have to win the F2 champs, I personally don't think there's any chance of change anytime soon at Ferrari.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
I don't either, but in the meantime, a seat could appear at Sauber or HAAS.
s_ya
Posts: 21
Schumacher - Alfa Romeo - 2021