For the first time since 2016, Formula 1 adds a brand new circuit to the calendar and drivers can't wait to try out Mugello.
The Tuscan circuit is better known for hosting the Italian MotoGP each year, but with Ferrari taking part in their 1000th F1 Grand Prix, the Scuderia capitalised on the opportunity to celebrate at the venue they own.
Currently, only a handful of current F1 drivers has past experience around Mugello in lower formulas or taking part in Ferrari tests, with Daniel Ricciardo one of those who knows the rollercoaster ride that's in store.
"It’s a proper track," said the Renault driver. "I don’t think there are fans, but if there are fans, I think there’d be a few lucky people catching helmets in the grandstand!
"I think a lot of necks are going to probably fly off with all the g-forces we’re going to get around there. [They] might take some memorabilia away!"
Last Sunday's winner at Monza, Pierre Gasly, is another who knows what to expect.
"The teams have no data from this track so everyone, drivers and teams, will be discovering what it’s like," the Frenchman said. "It’s a thrilling layout and I think that will be especially true in a Formula 1 car.
"I raced there in 2013 but in an F1 car, it will be very different and impressive. The double right-hander [Arrabbiata] especially should be super quick.
"It will be a track where you can really feel what a Formula 1 car can do and it will be fantastic from a driving point of view.”
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Max Verstappen though is one of those who only has simulator experience around Mugello and expects to complete plenty of laps to get settled around the sweeping track.
"I have never raced at Mugello but I drove the circuit recently and it is a really great track," the Dutchman commented.
"It is a pretty unique circuit and not really similar to another on the calendar and it is going to be really fast in a Formula 1 car which is the outstanding factor to consider.
"It’s not going to be easy to make overtakes but it’s definitely going to be fun to drive and I’m looking forward to experiencing it.
"It’s also a new challenge to see how you’re going to perform without any preparation or knowledge on-track in an F1 car. It’s also a good test for the team, as well as for the drivers.
"The engineers have already done a lot of simulator work, we’ve prepared in the best way possible but there will still be a lot of fine-tuning to do at the track which is normal but it makes Friday more important."
