F1: Charles Leclerc takes ‘special’ Ferrari SF-23 for a spin in front of fans as 2023 car launched
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Ferrari pulled out all the stops as it unveiled the SF-23, the Scuderia’s challenger for the 2023 Formula One title.
There is a sense of renewed focus around the Italian team, now under the tutelage of experienced team principal Fred Vasseur and determined to bounce back after their botched attempt to beat Max Verstappen last year.
A stand full of Tifosi red on Valentine’s Day was positively bouncing as fans were invited to Maranello to watch the launch.
The SF-23, decked in traditional Ferrari scarlet red and black motifs, was even taken for a spin by Charles Leclerc after he won a coin toss with team-mate Carlos Sainz over who would be first to jump behind the wheel.
The two-lap run, broadcast live in front of a global audience which would have crucified any mistake or breakdown, passed by without incident in what Ferrari will hope is a sign of things to come.
“It feels good,” he said. “The first kilometres of this project after so many on the simulator.
“It felt special, everything went smoothly but with two laps it’s difficult to go into detail.
“But I gave my feedback to the engineers on my first feelings, the car was running smooth, everything went really well.”
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