Leclerc drives 2020 F1 Ferrari through Maranello
Charles Leclerc drove Ferrari’s 2020 Formula 1 car through the streets of Maranello early on Thursday morning.
Ferrari became the second F1 team to run its 2020 car since the COVID-19 pandemic temporarily suspended the season as Leclerc got back behind the wheel of the SF1000 for the first time since pre-season testing concluded in Barcelona at the end of February.
Charles Leclerc drove Ferrari’s 2020 Formula 1 car through the streets of Maranello early on Thursday morning.
Ferrari became the second F1 team to run its 2020 car since the COVID-19 pandemic temporarily suspended the season as Leclerc got back behind the wheel of the SF1000 for the first time since pre-season testing concluded in Barcelona at the end of February.
With Ferrari having already used up both of its on-track promotional days, the Italian squad carried out a demonstration event for Leclerc’s unusual run. Teams are permitted to conduct two of these shorter events, which are limited to no more than 15km of mileage.
Leclerc was the first driver “of the modern era” to have driven an F1 car through the streets of Maranello.
"I don’t normally like getting up early, but this morning there was a great reason to do so,” Leclerc said.
“Maybe it woke a few people up, but it was great to drive through the streets of Maranello in the SF1000.
"It was exciting to get back in the car today, particularly on such a special route. Being back in the cockpit felt like coming home again.
“It seemed like a fun way of saying we are ready to get back on track. Now I can’t wait to drive the SF1000 in Austria.”
Ferrari is expected to hold a private test at Fiorano next week with its 2018 car to allow Leclerc and Sebastian Vettel the opportunity to get some proper running in ahead of the start of the delayed 2020 season next month.
Mercedes conducted a similar test last week at Silverstone with Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas, while Racing Point became the first team to run its 2020 car on-track on Wednesday as Lance Stroll shook down its RP20.
Back-to-back races at Austrian Grand Prix venue the Red Bull Ring will kick off a revised schedule of eight European-based rounds on July 5.
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