The job of test driver has always intrigued Formula 1 fans. At this time, when testing is forbidden by the regulations, the Scuderia Ferrari test drivers can enjoy a few days rest and were able to take part in special events such as those at Goodwood and Zandvoort, even if they are not particularly restful.

“It’s true, I’ve been able to have a bit of a longer break than usual,” explained Luca Badoer. “We attended the Marlboro Masters at Zandvoort, but as far as work on the track goes, we are only allowed to cover a few kilometres. Obviously, we try and make the most of them, to leave nothing to chance. Even though there is no track testing, there is still plenty to do. I only spent a few days at home and apart from that, I’ve been very busy. We did some practice starts and now I am waiting to do the shakedown of the cars which will be used in Hungary. We did 50 km of testing prior to Hockenheim and we will do the same before Hungary, as allowed by the rules. Then, in September we can test freely again.”

“The testing ban has come at the wrong time,” commented Luca. “We would like to test and we have a lot of things to try, including evaluating tyres in order to move forward. However, the situation is the same for all the teams. After Hungary, we will test in Monza and at that time we will test all the developments lined up over the past months.”

Luca Badoer joined his colleague Felipe Massa for a demonstration drive at the Marlboro Masters. “It was great fun,” reckoned the Italian. “It’s a nice place and a great event and putting on a show on the track is good fun for us over the weekend.” While driving in front of 75,000 people is exciting, for Badoer the greatest pleasure is just sitting in the cockpit. “My job is to move the development on the car forward. I love driving more than anything and I get to drive the best car, which is the Ferrari, just as it was in the past. I also enjoy the technical side, making progress and continually trying to improve and trying new things. Of course, I would like to race for Ferrari, but given this is not possible, I enjoy my job for what it is. I like my work and everything that goes with it. Last year, we did around 23,000 kilometres of testing and this year, I don’t think we will be far off that figure. It’s a heavy workload but that is also a positive side of the job.”