Valencia shakedown for C23

The Italian joins Sauber for this season, after spending two seasons with Jordan that included his first grand prix victory in Brazil. He said he can't wait for his first taste of the Ferrari-powered, albeit Petronas-badged, machine.

"[The] day after tomorrow, on Wednesday, I'll be able to drive the new car for the first time at Valencia," he said. "I take the fact that this date coincides with my 31st birthday as a good omen!"

Meanwhile, his team-mate Felipe Massa returns to grand prix racing this year, after taking a year out as one of Ferrari's test drivers.

"I've learnt a lot during my year as a Ferrari test driver and am ready, now, to apply this knowledge to the race track," he said. "I am very happy to be back. I know the team and not much has changed besides a few people. We have a good relationship. I am here to do my best. The collaboration is very important."