An upgraded F60 on the track in Sakhir, Bahrain

The Ferrari F60 will make its grand return to the track today at the Sakhir circuit in Bahrain. It’s the first day of a series totaling eight for the team based in Maranello, with the last day being February 19.

Felipe Massa will be at the wheel until Wednesday, followed by Kimi Räikkönen on Thursday and Friday. Next week, the Finn will be on track first on Monday the 16th and Tuesday the 17th. The Brazilian will conclude these tests on the last two days. BMW-Sauber and Toyota will be alongside Ferrari.

The F60 will feature some minor updates, particularly on its two wings, otherwise, it will be configured identically to the Mugello tests from last month.

Since the last test, the team has worked with the simulator at the FIAT research center, with Marc Gené, Andrea Bertolini, and Gimmi Bruni. The aim is to gain further knowledge about the new car and the behavior of the 2009 slick tires.

Meanwhile, in Maranello, the team analyzed the data collected so far and worked on the test bench to develop new aerodynamic solutions that will be used during the first Grand Prix in Melbourne.

The testing session in Sakhir is expected to be intense as this year the tests are limited. Indeed, there are only 16 dates on the calendar before the start of the championship. Therefore, it will be crucial to manage the schedule well. Ferrari has decided, as in recent years, to conduct tests in Bahrain due to the more favorable weather conditions compared to Europe.

Temperatures will be above 20°C, which will allow the team to examine the car’s reliability and check the tire behavior in conditions similar to those expected in Melbourne on March 29.