Schumacher to test Alfa Romeo next week (Update)
Alfa Romeo makes it official |
UPDATE
This rumor is upgraded to 'fact' with today's announcement:Mick Schumacher is set to complete the second day of testing for Alfa Romeo Racing in Bahrain. The German driver, who is a member of the Ferrari Driver Academy (FDA) and currently competing in the 2019 FIA Formula 2 Championship, has demonstrated his determination and talent over the course of the past years, steadily working his way up the ranks in various junior racing categories.
Alfa Romeo Racing is looking forward to welcoming Mick at the Bahrain International Circuit and accompanying him on his exciting journey to the pinnacle of motorsport.
The team will continue its collaboration with the FDA at the following test session in Barcelona, where the British Formula 2 driver and Academy member Callum Ilott will also complete a day of testing behind the wheel of the team’s 2019 contender, the Alfa Romeo Racing C38.
Frederic Vasseur, Team Principal Alfa Romeo Racing and CEO Sauber Motorsport AG:
“We are very pleased to announce that Mick Schumacher and Callum Ilott will each complete a rookie test day for Alfa Romeo Racing. It is in our team’s DNA to spot and nurture young talents. Mick and Callum are perfect examples of determined and skilled racers who deserve to be given the chance to take the next steps in their careers. Collaborating with two such promising drivers is great news for our team, and we look forward to working together."
Mick Schumacher:
“I am obviously more than excited and would like to thank Alfa Romeo Racing for giving me this opportunity. I am really looking forward to what I’m sure will be a great experience. But for the moment, I am consciously putting all thoughts of the test to one side, because I am also very much looking forward to competing in my first F2 race and would like to focus a hundred percent on the weekend to come."
Mick Schumacher has big shoes to fill |
03/25/19 (GMM) Mick Schumacher's first formula one test will take place next week in Bahrain.
We had already reported that the son of F1 legend Michael Schumacher was first in line for the Alfa Romeo seat in the post-Bahrain GP test.
Schumacher, 20, will already be in Bahrain for his first Formula 2 race.
"Bild (newspaper) knows that Alfa Romeo will be Mick's first formula one car," the German publication and other authoritative sources reported.
Alfa Romeo is a Ferrari 'B' team, and Schumacher is the leading member of Ferrari's driver development academy.
Schumacher told Italy's La Repubblica last week: "It has never been a problem for me to be compared to my father.
"In fact, it is an honor to be compared to the best driver in the history of formula one. I just have to try to learn and improve."
As for his new Ferrari role, the reigning European F3 champion added: "They made me feel immediately at home, but Ferrari has always been part of my life after all."