Ferrari staged unplanned test in Fiorano
Ferrari staged an unplanned test session with its development driver Antonio Fuoco as the Italian is expected to take part in the first free practice session at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Teams are required to run a rookie driver in at least two free practice sessions during a season. The rookie status refers to drivers who have competed in less than three F1 races.
Ferrari has already completed its first rookie driver run with its Academy Driver Oliver Bearman when the Briton took over Charles Leclerc's car in the opening practice at the Mexico City Grand Prix. The Scuderia had intended to complete the second young driver outing with Bearman at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, who had been due to take over Carlos Sainz's car at the Yas Marina track.
However, Oliver Bearman's unexpected comeback following Kevin Magnussen's illness at the Brazilian Grand Prix saw him lose his rookie status as he has already competed three F1 races.
Bearman replaced the unwell Carlos Sainz at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, and stepped in to drive for Haas after Magnussen had been hit with a one-race ban before his third outing in Sao Paulo.
It means that Bearman will not be able to take part as a rookie during the opening free practice session at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix or during the post-season Young Driver Test at the Yas Marina Circuit.
Ferrari is believed to give its development driver Antonio Fuoco the opportunity to drive, at least during the first free practice session prior to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The Italian squad staged a test at its own test circuit in Fiorano with Fuoco last week, with the Italian having been able to drive the team's two-year-old F1-75.
The Calabria-born driver is currently competing in the FIA World Endurance Championship for Ferrari AF Corse in the Ferrari 499P. He also serves as a development driver for the Scuderia and is a junior driver for the Competizione GT. He previously competed in Formula 2 for Charouz Racing System, and is a former member of the Ferrari Driver Academy.
