Ferrari lines up seven drivers for test week - including Sainz

Ferrari's test track at Fiorano will be bustling with activity next week, with the Scuderia putting no less than seven drivers through their paces, including Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc.

As expected, the Italian outfit will roll out its 2018 SF71H for the week-long test that will kick off on Monday with Giuliano Alesi, Marcus Armstrong and Robert Shwartzman.

While the latter has previously tested the SF71H, Alesi and Armstrong will enjoy their maiden run onboard an F1 car, the Frenchman taking to the track just over 30 years after his famous father, Jean Alesi, drove his F1-90 at Fiorano.

On Tuesday, Leclerc will have an opportunity to warm up to the 2021 season, 44 days after last driving an F1 car in F1's 2020 season-finale in Abu Dhabi.

Read also: Ferrari appraisal of Sainz included study of team radio messages

Sainz will enjoy his grand debut with the Scuderia on Wednesday, extending his test into Thursday morning, before Mick Schumacher takes over the SF71H in the afternoon.

The German will also be in action on Friday morning while FIA F2 Championship runner-up Callum Ilott will conclude the Ferrari test in the afternoon.

As a reminder, F1's official three-day winter test will take place in Bahrain from March 12 to 14.

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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.