Sebastian Vettel believes “spectacular” Mugello deserves to host a Formula 1 race after Ferrari tested their 2018 car on Tuesday.
The Italian team returned to the track for the first time since pre-season testing as they practised the ‘new normal’ of social distancing and other measures F1 is implementing to reduce the threat from Covid-19 when the season starts next weekend in Austria.
But rather than head to their nearest test circuit at Fiorano, Ferrari instead opted for Mugello, which is widely expected to host a second Grand Prix in Italy this year, one week after Monza.
And Vettel was clearly loving the rollercoaster ride around the high-speed sweeps that dominate the Tuscan track.
“I was glad to get back in the cockpit after a break that was even longer than the usual winter one. I was also very pleased to see all the guys from the team at last,” the German said.
“It was great to once again get those feelings from a car and to do so at such a spectacular track. I really think Mugello deserves to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix.
“I hadn’t driven it for eight years, so it took a few laps for me to get used to the track and then I really enjoyed myself.”
After driving in the morning, Vettel handed over to teammate Charles Leclerc for the afternoon and the Monegasque was equally delighted to be back behind the wheel of an F1 car.
“How great was that, getting back on track for real,” he said.
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“I’d missed it! Even though I’ve been pretty busy with virtual racing during this long break, I needed to once again get that physical impression of speed.
“Being able to drive on such a spectacular track as Mugello, for the first time at the wheel of a Formula 1 car, helped to make this day even more memorable.
“Now, we’re looking ahead to the season and as from next week, things get serious!”
