Ferrari signs up Gene
Ferrari has confirmed that it has signed Spanish driver Marc Gene as test driver for 2005. Gene, who has worked with Williams in a similar capacity for four years, will make his debut for the team in this week's test at Barcelona
"When I saw myself dressed in red," Gene told his website, "I felt it was incredible, but tomorrow I will drive a Ferrari at Barcelona and it's fantanstic.
"I have had an intensive afternoon with the new team, making the seat and meeting all the new members of the team."
Gene's signature on a Ferrari contract will come as a blow to its rival Williams as the Spaniard takes with him a large databank of knowledge of the ultra-powerful BMW P84 engine and the team's Michelin tyres.
Gene was held in high regard by Williams for his testing abilities but his relationship with team turned sour after he failed to record strong results while standing in for Ralf Schumacher in the French and British Grands Prix this year.
The Spaniard will work alongside his former Minardi team-mate Luca Badoer in Ferrari's testing programme, which shows no signs of being cutback. Ferrari is at odds with F1's nine other teams over a proposed reduction in testing, which the Italian team opposes.
Share Or Save This Story
F1 commits to hybrid power units for next generation of engines
The genesis of an F1 great
Rich Energy and Haas: The strangeness might not be over
What were Antonelli’s chances of starting on the front row in Austria without his yellow-flag blunder?
How Ferrari and Red Bull triggered the FIA’s rethink over Mercedes’ F1 diffuser
FIA bans Ferrari style exhaust wings in F1 2027
“They know” – Verstappen says Red Bull is aware of what’s needed to keep him for F1 2027
Cadillac's F1 updates show improved pace, but hot Austrian GP will test its capabilities
WRC Acropolis Rally Greece: Ogier leads Neuville by 1.3s ahead of final loop showdown
What were Antonelli’s chances of starting on the front row in Austria without his yellow-flag blunder?
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments