While his team is keeping media in the dark with regards to official information from their progress during the first Formula 1 pre-season test in Barcelona, Ferrari president Sergio Marchionne has praised the new car and declared that it is a step forward for the Reds.
Amid silence from the Ferrari garage, which Italian media have reported is absurd (report here>>>), Marchionne said, “The new Ferrari SF70H, is more powerful than we expected, I’m happy, from what I’ve seen, the forecasts we had done have been met.”
“I do not know if we will be able to win the championship, but we know that we have taken a big step forward.”
Indeed the both Sebastian Vettel (on Monday) and Kimi Raikkonen (Tuesday) have enjoyed healthy track time and mileage, while spending most of both days at the sharp end of the timing screens.
Ferrari celebrate their 70th anniversary this year, hence the SF70H designation of their new F1 car.
When Marchionne was asked if the marque intended to celebrate the milestone, he replied, “In 2017 we have many events planned. But I also want to celebrate in Formula 1.”
Last year around this time, Marchionne made naive demands and predictions with regards to his team, and since admitted, “Intellectual honesty is important but I have to admit that I looked silly.”
“This year, I am not falling into that trap. Let’s see what happens when the lights go out on the track,” added the Ferrari boss.