Giovinazzi: 'It was a really special day'

Ferrari reserve driver Antonio Giovinazzi  will remember his first official test  as a Formula 1 driver as a 'really special day'.

The 23-year-old and GP2 runner-up  is subbing this week at Sauber for the still convalescent Pascal Wehrlein.

The Italian hopeful completed 67 laps Tuesday but was a late starter , as Sauber was forced to change the Ferrari power unit on the team's new C36.

"It was a really special day," said Giovinazzi.

"It was my first time in a Formula 1 official test, which is a big thing for me, as last year I was in GP2, and now to have this opportunity of course is great.

"I need to just work hard, and of course I need to say thanks to Ferrari and Sauber. It's also something really important for a driver to be in the car."

Giovinazzi, who will return to duty Wednesday afternoon, insisted that his day of testing provided a wealth of experience which he will put to good use in the future.

"Of course, this is important for me to do some miles in these cars," he said.

"The first official test is always really hard; I remember last year when I tested in GP2, winter training is always important, but when you jump in the car it is a different thing.

"With these new tyres, there's a lot of grip, and on the neck it was quite hard, but I'm here also just to see where I am and to work hard."

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