2021 F1 pre-season testing highlights

Over the course of the three-day pre-season test at Sakhir’s Bahrain International Circuit, Scuderia Ferrari Mission Winnow’s SF21 completed a total of 403 laps, equivalent to 2,182 kilometres. Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz shared the driving every day.

Carlos Sainz #55

“In general I think today was a positive first day of testing, where the target was to complete our whole run programme and we did it, so happy with that. I guess everyone wants to figure out the performance of each car after today, but I think it is way too early to tell and very difficult to know in these kinds of conditions – full of sand, very windy and with big variations in temperatures. All in all, I think we can consider today a very good day. Thanks to everyone at the track and back at the factory. We keep working!”

Charles Leclerc #16

“The first day in a new car is always very interesting after all the work carried out over the winter. We completed the whole programme without any major problems and the first impression of the car is pretty good. But obviously, it’s far too early to give a full assessment. Now I can’t wait to get behind the wheel again tomorrow!”

Laurent Mekies Racing Director

“Another very busy day of testing in Bahrain, with almost 700 kilometres covered during the eight hours of track time. The weather was much better than yesterday, although the wind was still a feature, especially in the first part of the day. We worked a lot on the management of the Pirelli tyres over long runs and we got plenty of data which we will now analyse carefully. In the final hour, we also began to look at how the SF21 went in terms of outright performance and here too, we gathered a lot of useful information.
These three days are vitally important and we are taking a methodical approach because the work we do now will be the key to how we get on during the season. Therefore the most important thing is to complete the planned programme and that’s what we have done so far. As for the competition, we can start thinking about that in two weeks time, in qualifying for the Bahrain Grand Prix.”

Mattia Binotto Team Principal

“These were three very busy days of testing. One of our priorities was to make the most of the short time available to gain an understanding of the behaviour of the SF21 and we succeeded in doing that. I feel we have improved in many areas compared to last season. It’s hard to say where we are compared to our opponents because this test was even harder than usual to interpret.
I was particularly pleased with the way Charles and Carlos worked with the team and the good relationship between the two of them, which has helped Sainz fit in with his new team very quickly.
For our part, we have to carefully analyse all the data to be as well prepared as possible for the start of the championship. There’s a lot to do, but we all really want to do well.”

Scuderia Ferrari best pictures:

FERRARI F1 TEST BAHRAIN – VENERDI 12/03/2021 credit: @Scuderia Ferrari Press Office

FERRARI F1 TEST BAHRAIN – VENERDI 12/03/2021 credit: @Scuderia Ferrari Press Office

FERRARI F1 TEST BAHRAIN – VENERDI 12/03/2021 credit: @Scuderia Ferrari Press Office

FERRARI F1 TEST BAHRAIN – SABATO 13/03/2021 credit: @Scuderia Ferrari Press Office

FERRARI F1 TEST BAHRAIN – SABATO 13/03/2021 credit: @Scuderia Ferrari Press Office

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