Rain delays Rigon's first Ferrari test

Superleague Formula star Rigon - who has taken both Beijing Gouan and Anderlecht to titles in the football-themed series - will carry out development work with Ferrari this year, primarily in the team's simulator.

The 24-year-old Italian was due to test a 2009 Ferrari F60 today alongside official reserve driver Jules Bianchi, but the team decided to abandon the test due to the weather before Rigon got his chance to take the wheel.

"I know I'll get another chance, because getting that practical experience would be really useful to increase my experience which to date has only been a virtual one," said Rigon, who has previous F1 testing experience from a run with Minardi in 2005.

Bianchi added: "A shame to do so few laps today, although as always, I was still able to learn something new from my meeting with the engineers from Maranello, which will come in useful as I try to do my best both in GP2 and in my personal contribution to the work of the Scuderia."

The FDA is in action for three days at Fiorano this week. Ferrari also announced today that Spanish bank - and F1 team sponsor - Santander had become a major backer of the academy programme as well.