After a week of negotiations, Spanish driver Marc Gene was signed on to test for the Scuderia Ferrari team and thrust into action at the Barcelona circuit in Spain for the first week of action in the 2005 championship season. After finishing the four day session for the Italian squad on Friday, Marc revealed just how happy he is in this new role….
“I didn’t think I’d be able to adapt so quickly to the new team, but I’ve been very well welcomed,” he said revealing that even seven time world champion Michael Schumacher called to welcome him into the team.
“Michael Schumacher called because he was interested in tests and he gave me his regards,” Marc explained.
So what were his duties over the course of the four day session?
“I’ve done a lot of laps to test tyres for next year, as they have to last more than 400 kilometers,” he said, adding that in regard to the new aerodynamics, “the car has less grip and we must brake earlier”.
Gene always knew that Ferrari is one step ahead of the other teams on the grid and this test reinforced his thoughts on the matter, but one thing that did astonish him was just how much popularity had grown since donning the red overalls….
“I’d never signed so many autographs before and I’m surprised at media impact caused by my signing.”
;)
