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Alfa Romeo pushing to start the season after Raikkonen's first track day

Alfa Romeo "pushing to start the season" after Raikkonen's first track day

14-02-2019 17:57
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Nicolás Quarles van Ufford

After running its 2019 challenger for the first time, Alfa Romeo Racing team principal Fred Vasseur underlined the team are pushing hard to improve performance until the season starts in mid-March.

Today saw the (sort of) new team take to the track for the first time at Fiorano, with Kimi Raikkonen completing 33 laps at the Ferrari's test circuit. This number was limited because of F1 rules, which state teams are allowed to run for a maximum of 100 kilometres on filming days. 

For the filming day, Alfa ran a special 'love' livery for Valentine's Day (as pictured above).

“We ran the 2019 car for the first time and were able to assess the progress we have made in our development ahead of the first tests in Barcelona next week," Vasseur told RaceFans.

“The whole team is pushing to start the season with the best possible base. Our drivers and crew are motivated, and we look forward to heading into the championship and delivering a strong performance.”

Technical director Simone Resta said that the day wasn't just for filming, as it was full of little tests as well, although it won't be as extensive as in Barcelona next week.

“The focus of our work today was on aerodynamic, set-up and cooling checks. We ran for a total of 33 laps and will use our data to establish how the new regulations will affect the behaviour of our car," the former Ferrari man said.

“The next two weeks which we will spend in Barcelona will be busy and will concentrate on proving the car’s reliability and performance.”