F1 | Marchionne confirms: Antonio Giovinazzi third Ferrari driver for 2017

During the classic meeting with journalists during the holidays, Sergio Marchionne and Maurizio Arrivabene made it official that Antonio Giovinazzi, Prema driver and vice-champion of the 2 GP2016 Series, will be the third driver for Scuderia Ferrari during the next season. Important news, much desired by Italian enthusiasts: after the farewell of Raffaele Marciello from the Academy program managed by Massimo Rivola, in fact, it seemed like a real utopia to see an Italian wearing the Scuderia di Maranello tracksuit.

However, the excellent performances of the last championship allowed the Prema talent to secure a contract for 2016, earning him the trust of president Marchionne and giving him a leading role in the next championship. Giovinazzi will not limit himself to development work in the factory and simulator sessions, but will take to the track during some free practices next season presumably with Sauber given that Charles Leclerc, an FDA talent, has already formalized an agreement with Haas.

Marchionne underlined the excellent qualities of the driver from Martina Franca, explaining that he strongly believes in his talent and his desire to get to Formula One. And on the other hand, considering Kimi Raikkonen's probable retirement at the end of 2017 and Sebastian Vettel's doubts regarding 2018, the possibility of seeing Giovinazzi in Ferrari exists and is also quite concrete.

The Italian will begin his work in Maranello in January.

Roberto Valenti