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Formula 1 Testing Begins in Imola for Sauber and Racing Bulls
The Sauber and Racing Bulls teams are set to commence their 2025 racing seasons with an extensive multi-day testing session at the Imola circuit this week.
As part of the preparations, Racing Bulls will conduct a three-day test at the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari. The team will utilize its 2023 AT04 car, originally from its AlphaTauri days, and will be driven by their 2025 lineup of Yuki Tsunoda along with rookie Isack Hadjar. Additionally, Ayumu Iwasa will get behind the wheel on the final day of testing.
Following their session, Sauber will also take part in the testing event, bringing its 2022 C42 car to the track. The team’s new driver duo, Nico Hulkenberg and Formula 2 champion Gabriel Bortoleto, will participate on Wednesday and Thursday. Both drivers have already begun to integrate into the team during the Abu Dhabi post-season test held last December.
With the new regulations in place, testing of cars that are two years old or older is now restricted to a maximum of 1,000 kilometers and four days for regular Grand Prix drivers. This move by the FIA aims to ensure that teams do not exploit these tests to gain an advantage in developing their current cars, undermining the original intent of offering young drivers valuable training opportunities.
Weather forecasts indicate potential rain on Wednesday and Thursday, which could disrupt testing activities. However, it may also present a significant opportunity for the 2025 newcomers, Hadjar and Bortoleto, as they gain crucial experience in handling an F1 car under wet conditions.
In a parallel development in Italy, Lewis Hamilton made headlines with his first public engagement with Ferrari on Monday. During an extended visit to Maranello, Hamilton engaged in various introductions and meetings, initiated simulator training, and underwent a seat fitting. He is anticipated to make his testing debut for Ferrari on Wednesday at the Fiorano test track, where he will be piloting the Scuderia’s 2022 F1-75 alongside his new teammate, Charles Leclerc.
As the teams prepare for the upcoming season, the dual testing sessions in Imola and Fiorano mark a significant step in their journey toward competitive racing in 2025.
Source
www.autosport.com