Ferrari is optimistic after first F14 T pre-season testing

Ferrari Team Principal Stefano Domenicali is pretty satisfied with how his team performed in the first pre-season testing in Jerez, Spain.

The F14T was the second car to complete the most laps on the track and returned validating the data Ferrari gathered during wind tunnel testing, which is something the team hasn’t been able to reconcile in the past seasons.

“These were four very demanding and important days to give us something to work on over the coming days in Maranello.  The technical parameters of the F14 T, as well as the aerodynamic validation we saw on track, match our expectations and provide a solid starting point, which we must now exploit as much as possible,” said Domenicali. 

Kimi Raikkonen and Fernando Alonso clocked in at fifth and seventh fastest times respectively, but according to Domenicali this doesn’t reflect grid position this early in testing.

“The important thing is to do as many laps as possible to give our engineers the data they need to continue with the development of the car. It would be premature to make any precise evaluations. What counts for more is to have clear ideas on what we must do now and on the direction to take, so that we arrive in Melbourne in the best possible shape,”  adds Domenicali.

Meanwhile, Ferrari has retained the services of Pedro de la Rosa, Davide Rigon and Marc Gene as test driver for the 2014 F1 season.

Their duties include development and simulator work on the F14 T, as well as joining the team in other racing and promo activities.

The second pre-season test takes place in Bahrain from February 19-22.