Ferrari conducted their pre-season testing at Mugello on the 23rd of June. Sebastian Vettel and Charles Leclerc took the opportunity to blow off the cobwebs ahead of the season opener in Austria. It also marked the first time Vettel got behind the steering wheel of the Ferrari since confirming last month that the two would part ways once the season ends. One of the reasons touted for Ferrari to be conducting tests at Mugello instead of their usual testing site, Fiorano was because F1 is considering holding a race at the circuit this year, and Vettel is all for it.

Sebastian Vettel feels Mugello deserves to hold an F1 race

Sebastian Vettel spoke to Ferrari.com after testing. Vettel said, “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.”

Furthermore, he 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 One Grand Prix. I hadn’t driven it (the track) for 8 years. It took a few laps for me to get used to the track and then I really enjoyed myself.”

Ferrari’s testing also helped the team to get to grips with the new safety regulations that need to be practiced. Ferrari”s testing was run on the 2018 spec SF71H. It was the car in which Vettel bagged his highest points tally in a single season for Ferrari.

With the season opener less than two weeks away, the Scuderia will be hoping to mount a title challenge. Although, there have been some doubts about the new SF1000. Especially after how very ‘off the pace’ it seemed in winter testing. Nevertheless, Ferrari are hoping that the upgrades they bring to Spielberg will give them the boost they need. As for Vettel, he’ll be looking to leave the team on a high. Maybe, just maybe, if he gets them a championship, he may even secure a seat with Mercedes.