Test Abu Dhabi – “I’d been waiting for this day for a long time”

Charles Leclerc completes tyre test for Scuderia Ferrari: “A special feeling”
Yas Marina, 28 November –135 laps, or around two and a half Abu Dhabi Grand Prix distances. That’s what Charles Leclerc achieved today, with his new team, as the SF71H bowed out of official duties. In fact, the end of the Pirelli test also marks the end of the 2018 season, even if the focus of these two days was very much on the future, evaluating next year’s tyres.
“Of course it was emotional,” commented the 21 year old Monegasque driver. “Because driving a Ferrari is special and because this was a day I had been waiting for, for so long without being sure if it would happen. I am pleased about that and with the work we did. Our entire programme was based on comparison testing between this and next year’s tyres. For me, it was important because I also got to know the team better, although some were no strangers to me, given my time with the Ferrari Driver Academy. Over the next few weeks, I will work to be in the best possible shape and to learn from everyone in the team and my team-mate. I can’t wait for next season to start…”
By the end of the day, Charles’ best time was a 1’36”450, set on the Hypersoft tyres.