Giovinazzi says Ferrari SF71H has 'improved dramatically'

Antonio Giovinazzi says Ferrari's SF71-H has improved "dramatically" since the Scuderia's junior driver last tested the car in Barcelona back in May.

The Italian set a blistering pace on the first day of Formula 1's in-season test at the Hungaroring, clocking in with a 1m15.648 that represented a new unofficial lap record.

"I had tried the car in the Barcelona test, and I must say it has improved dramatically,” said the 24-year-old Ferrari development driver.

"It’s a big step, last time was in May and now we’re in the end of July. It’s really good to see this improvement from the car.

"It showed the team and drivers are doing a fantastic job to improve the car."

Giovinazzi tops Day 1 of in-season test with new lap record

Giovinazzi quickly set a benchmark time and improved throughout the session, achieving his fastest lap on Pirelli's hypersoft tyres.

"My main programme, we did a few long runs in the morning and a quali run in the afternoon," he added.

"The rain was coming and we delayed the end of the programme with a lot of long runs.

“It was a good day, positive for me and for the team and this is really important."

Giovinazzi will switch over to Sauber for Wednesday's second test day.

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.