As reported during the course of last month, Ferrari debuted a brand new simulator for their 2010 Formula One operations, with the first virtual laps being completed by Andrea Bertolini.
“Rossi, in Maranello for several meetings with the technicians to get ready for the tests in Barcelona, took the opportunity to try out the new Formula 1 simulator, while during a short break he wanted to get a taste of the new 8-cylinder rear-mid engine Berlinetta,” said a press release from Ferrari, posted on their media site.
“Although the track was slightly wet and the temperatures very low Valentino managed to drive a couple of laps and, once he got out of the car, couldn’t hide his enthusiasm for this new Ferrari,” added the statement.
While rumored to do another F1 test with Ferrari ever since the end of last year's MotoGP campaign, Rossi was finally confirmed by the Maranello officials for the January 20-21 testing session. However, the running will not go down in Ferrari's backyard, but on the Barcelona track.
As previously reported by the Ferrari media site, the test will represent Ferrari CEO Luca di Montezemolo's gift to Rossi, after the Italian rider clinched his 7th MotoGP title in career. With the current restrictions prohibiting Rossi from testing the latest Ferrari F1 car, the Italian will settle with the F2008 model.
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