New era begins with Alonso’s first day at Maranello

7 November, 2009

Friday early in the morning, just after 8am, a new era for Ferrari, Fernando Alonso and Fromula 1 began when the Spaniard arrived at the gates of the Scuderia Ferrari for his first contact with the new team, although still not as an official member due to his contractual commitments regarding image management, which still tie him to his Renault F1 team and his sponsors.

The first meeting was between the double world champion and F1 team principal Stefano Domenicali, who then left him to the technicians, who started to work with the driver on the upcoming season’s programme. Between meetings connected to the new single-seater’s project Fernando visited the wind channel to see the model and worked on the sitting position in the car’s cockpit, while the day ended just after 5pm. Before leaving Maranello, Alonso was received by Chairman Luca di Montezemolo, who personally wanted to welcome the Spaniard at Ferrari in a cordially meeting of around half an hour.

Friday’s intermezzo was a couple of laps on the Fiorano race track with the 458 Italia, naturally in red: as he couldn’t yet drive a red Formula 1 car and Fernando wanted to feel the emotion of driving a Ferrari on the track where all the Prancing Horse’s single-seaters are born and raised.

(Note: No images of Fernando Alonso’s actual visit to Maranello were released by Ferrari with the above press release)

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2. Done 2010 deal: Alonso to Ferrari, Kimi to McLaren
3. Fernando Alonso: "I see Ferrari as a symbol"
4. Ecclestone hopes Alonso will race Ferrari at Valencia
5. Ferrari Spain Preview: Season begins now