Ferrari confirms launch date of 2018 F1 car

Ferrari has become the first Formula 1 team to officially reveal the launch date of its 2018 car to get the wheels in motion for next season with President Sergio Marchionne demanding world titles.

The Italian manufacturer will unveil its 2018 F1 car with an online launch on Thursday 22^nd February before heading to Circuit de Catalunya for a pre-testing filming day at the Spanish circuit. The Barcelona track hosts both pre-season tests with the opening test commencing on Monday 26^th February.

According to multiple reports, Ferrari President Marchionne revealed the launch date at its traditional pre-Christmas lunch with the media at Maranello. The 2018 car’s name remains unconfirmed but is expected to be an evolution on the 2017 SF70-H which saw the Italian squad enjoy its most successful campaign in over five years with Sebastian Vettel clinching five race wins.

Next year marks a 10-year stretch since Ferrari’s last F1 world title of any kind, the 2008 F1 World Constructors’ championship, with Marchionne eager to end the run and also halt Mercedes’ dominance in the sport in the V6 hybrid era after four consecutive drivers’ and constructors’ titles.

Reports also emerged with Marchionne confirming Kimi Raikkonen’s replacement is likely to be a ‘young driver’ with Charles Leclerc, Antionio Gionvinazzi and Max Verstappen shortlisted. Verstappen recently re-signed for Red Bull on a new deal to keep him at the team until the end of the 2020 season. No confirmation was made on whether 2018 would mark Raikkonen’s last season at the team or when any changes to its driver line-up would be made.

The week commencing Monday 19^th February is expected to host the majority of F1 team launches ahead of the first pre-season test in Spain. The first test will run from the 26^th February to the 1^st March followed by the second test at the same venue on the 6^th-9^th March.