Giovinazzi notes 'dramatic' improvement in Ferrari car

Antonio Giovinazzi feels the Ferrari SF71H Formula 1 car has improved "dramatically" over the past two months after completing his most recent test for the team in Hungary.

Ferrari youngster Giovinazzi last appeared for the team at the post-Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona in the middle of May before getting behind the wheel of the 2018 car on Tuesday. The Italian posted an unofficial lap record at the Hungaroring as he finished with the fastest time of the day.

Ferrari has been embroiled in a fierce development race with rival Mercedes at the front of the pack through 2018, with Giovinazzi noting a big step in the performance of its car between his last appearance in mid-May and Hungary.

"[There's] a big step," Giovinazzi said. "Last time [I tested] was in May and now we’re in the end of July. It was a big step.

"It’s really good to see this improvement from the car. It showed the team and drivers are doing a fantastic job to improve the car.

"I had tried the car in the Barcelona rookie test, and I must say it has improved dramatically. I think the team did a great job."

Asked in what areas the car had improved, Giovinazzi said: "Just overall, everywhere. I was really happy with the car."

Tuesday marked Giovinazzi's final opportunity this year to test for Ferrari, but is running with Sauber on Wednesday in Hungary and will also make four practice appearances with the team between now and the end of the season.

Despite the narrow opportunities to impress while testing for Ferrari and stake a claim for an F1 seat on the 2019 grid, Giovinazzi said he felt under no added pressure at the Hungary test.

"The goal was to do well and try to confirm that you are up to the task. But I do not feel under pressure," Giovinazzi said.

"It has been a positive test, and I'm satisfied "