Giovinazzi set for multiple FP1 outings with Haas

Ferrari third driver Antonio Giovinazzi is to take part in seven FP1 sessions with Haas over the remainder of the 2017 season, the American team confirmed on Wednesday.

The 23-year-old, who drove in the first two races of this season for Sauber as a replacement for the injured Pascal Werhlein, scoring a best finish of 12th in Australia, will make his first appearance for the Ferrari-powered squad at the British Grand Prix in July.

Subsequent outings in Hungary, Italy, Malaysia, Mexico, Brazil and Abu Dhabi will follow.

Haas confirmed that Kevin Magnussen will relinquish his seat to Giovinazzi for six of the sessions, with Romain Grosjean ceding his VF-17 to the Italian in Mexico alone.

“In a year that’s already been filled with great opportunities, I’m proud to have another one with Haas F1 Team,” said Giovinazzi, who finished a strong second in last year’s GP2 Series.

“Being the third driver with Scuderia Ferrari is obviously a great place to be, and getting seat time in these FP1 sessions with Haas F1 Team will keep me sharp. I’ll be able to take what I’ve learned in the simulator and apply it in actual race conditions.

“I’m proud of the faith Ferrari and Haas have in me and gracious for the seat time Kevin and Romain are sharing with me.”

Haas team principal Guenther Steiner said the practice outings would allow Giovinazzi to gain precious F1 experience.

“[He] earned a good bit of Formula One experience during his two races with Sauber this year and these FP1 sessions with our team will allow him to develop even more,” Steiner said.

“He is highly regarded by Ferrari and performed very well last year in Formula 2 [the new name for GP2]. It’s a good opportunity for him and we’re happy to provide it. Credit also goes to Kevin and Romain for graciously sharing their racecars with Antonio.”

Haas have a close technical relationship with Ferrari, with the Italian team providing the power unit, transmission, steering system and other ancillary parts to the VF-17.