Exclusive Day 3, PM Photos: Carlos Sainz Jr. Ferrari Testing

On Wednesday morning, Carlos Sainz Jr. took to the track in a 2018 Ferrari for the first time, adorned with his car number 55 and sporting a black and red helmet.

His testing continued in the afternoon. Sainz is completing an extensive test program on-track across all of Wednesday and on Thursday morning, giving him the chance to get up to speed with the team.

He has already been at Fiorano this week to work with the engineers during teammate Charles Leclerc’s run on Tuesday, when the Monegasque driver completed more than 100 laps.

Carlos Sainz #55

“A day I will never forget! This morning, the alarm went off at dawn because we had some very early meetings before going out on track. One of the most special moments for me today was when I arrived at the circuit and I saw the Ferrari with my number 55 on it! I was eager to jump in the car and that first installation lap was exciting.

Then we got down to work, and I am very pleased with how the day unfolded. We were able to get through an extensive program, and I was able to familiarize myself with the whole setup: the engineers and mechanics, the steering wheel, the procedures which are obviously a bit different to those on the car I drove last season.

It was very nice to have my father there at such an important moment in my career. And I’d like to thank Mattia, Laurent and everyone at Ferrari for such a warm welcome and such a positive first day in the 2018 car. I am very happy and could not have wished for a better start.“