14/10/2008
NEWS STORY
According to a report in the Italian media, Ferrari is considering following the example set by a number of other F1 teams, including BMW, Honda and McLaren, and give an F1 test to the winner of a junior series.
Italian website 422race.com claims that the winner of the Italian Formula 3 championship will earn a test with the Maranello outfit.
The move is the result of work between the organizers of the series and Fiat, which from this year has provided engines through FPT (Fiat Powertrain Technologies), for the series, and which is managed by former Ferrari engine man Paolo Martinelli.
The test with the Maranello team could also be extended to the first three drivers in the championship, which comes to a conclusion at Vallelunga this weekend.
Currently, the series is led by Mirko Bortolotti, who has an eight point advantage over Edoardo Piscopo. Third place is currently held by Salvatore Cicatelli, though he is well behind the leading pair.
The initiative marks a change of direction for Ferrari, which previously hasn't been very supportive of junior series.