Giovinazzi gets Ferrari baptism of fire at Fiorano

©Ferrari

Italian hopeful Antonio Giovinazzi made his official debut as a Ferrari driver a Fiorano today.

The GP2 Series runner-up, who has been praised by the likes of Jean Alesi, drove a 2015 SF15-T in an FIA approved test, the purpose of which was to compare data acquired in the simulator and on the track.

"It was a wonderful feeling as this was my first time driving a Formula 1 car," said Giovinazzi.

"For an Italian, driving out of the pits in a Ferrari is an amazing experience. The actual testing was very interesting, with so many procedures to follow.

Giovinazzi prepping for the big time - just in case

"But the guys in the team were very nice to me and extremely helpful and that made everything much easier. I’d like to thank the whole team."

The 23-year-old was nominated as the Scuderia's third driver at the end of last year, and will be waiting in the wings for an eventual call.

GALLERY: F1 drivers' wives and girlfriends

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.