Today will see the 2019 cars return to the test track for the first time with the exception of Williams who are still facing difficulties finishing their car.
Most eyes on social media yesterday were focused on the Ferrari SF90 taking to the track for it’s first shake down, but sadly the Scuderia were fiercely strict on any cameras taking photos or videos that were not officially Ferrari’s.
The official accounts gave the Tifosi a taste of the car during its run from the garage, a flyby then a return to the pits, in a segment a mere few seconds.
Official Ferrari press release
“Montmelò – The SF90 has now completed its first track outing, following on from last Friday’s launch. It took place at the Barcelona-Catalunya Circuit, when Scuderia Ferrari Mission Winnow carried out a filming day to gather footage for media purposes for itself and its partners.
Sebastian and Charles. Sebastian Vettel did the bulk of the running, with Charles Leclerc making his debut in the new Ferrari towards the end of the day. As per filming day regulations, the car completed no more than a hundred kilometres, running on demonstration-run tyres.
First test. The SF90 will be back on track tomorrow, when the first of two official pre-season tests begins at the Spanish circuit. Sebastian Vettel will drive the first day, alternating with Charles Leclerc through to Thursday when the test ends. The second session, again in Barcelona, runs from 26 February to 1 March.”
Eagled eyed social media followers were looking out for the appropriate hash-tags of those daring to post media online without getting caught. TJ13 has decided to post some of that content below, and although megre, it does show how much Ferrari wish to control the distribution of their 2019 efforts already. For that reason, we wish to post the ‘alternative’ content.
Also worth noting, the Ferrari mechanic Francesco Cigarini who was horrifically injured last year by Kimi’s car during the Bahrain Grand Prix returned to the track today for the first time since the incident.
Cigarini was injured when Raikkonen was released before all four tyres were fitted correctly, instantly ending the Finn’s race, although it was a more costly incident for the Italian mechanic.
More unofficial social media Ferrari SF90 footage
https://twitter.com/Vetteleclerc/status/1097198000739418112
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bt_EoMNllM7/
With over 30 years of experience in Formula 1 as an insider journalist, I have built trusted connections across the paddock, from race engineers and mechanics to senior team figures. At The Judge 13, I and a handful of trusted colleagues share exclusive Formula 1 news, expert analysis and behind-the-scenes stories you will not find in mainstream motorsport media.
