Following last weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix most of the F1 teams remained at the circuit for two days of mid-week testing, dubbed “Test 4”. With the Swiss team’s regular driver Ericsson kicking off testing duties on the first day, Tuesday, there would be no appearance by Charles Leclerc as Giovinazzi was drafted in for the second and final day.

Giovinazzi, who undertook the FP1 session at last weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix for Sauber had a busy test as during Day 1 he was in action for the Scuderia behind the wheel of the Ferrari SF71H and posting the fastest time of the day before swapping to Sauber for the final day.
 
Test 4 in Budapest – Day 1 (31 July 2018)

The first day of testing at the Hungaroring ran smoothly for the Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team. Ericsson was in the cockpit of the C37, and completed a total of 95 laps throughout the day, finishing second in the classification with a laptime of 1:18.155 on hypersoft tyres behind only Giovinazzi (1:15.648) in the Ferrari.

Despite the brief interruption caused by rain, the team completed the majority of the planned programme which consisted of mechanical set-up work, testing of new aerodynamic parts, as well as runs on various tyre compounds.

Details: Circuit: Hungaroring (4.381 km) / Weather: sunny and dry, short rain shower; air 25-32°C, track 33-60 °C / Chassis: C37-03 Ferrari / Laps: 95 laps, 416,195 km / Fastest lap: 1:18.155 min (P2, hypersoft tyres) Programme: aerodynamic and mechanical tests, tyre work

Marcus Ericsson: “It was a productive day of testing. We almost completed the planned programme, with a short interruption caused by the rain that came suddenly. Thankfully, we managed to conclude the main part before the change in weather, so it didn’t affect us too much. We obtained some interesting results, and tried different set-up options for the second half of the season. Now we have to analyse the results and learn from them. It was a positive way to end the first part of the season. Now it is time to have a small break, and to recharge our batteries for the upcoming set of races. Give it a week and I will not be able to wait until I get back in the car, though. It will be great to come back and drive on one of the best tracks of the season in Spa-Francorchamps.”

Test 4 in Budapest – Day 2 (1 August 2018)

The second day of testing at the Hungaroring saw Antonio Giovinazzi at the cockpit of the C37. The Italian driver completed a total of 120 laps throughout the day, finishing in fourth place with a laptime of 1:17.558 on hypersoft tyres.

The Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team ran through the planned programme efficiently. It consisted of mechanical set-up work, testing of new aerodynamic parts, as well as runs on various tyre compounds. Giovinazzi set the fourth fastest time of the eleven drivers on track during the day.

The team is now heading into the Formula One summer break, and will be back on track for the next race – the 2018 FIA Formula One Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps.

Details: Circuit: Hungaroring (4.381 km) / Weather: sunny and dry; air 27-34°C, track 38-58°C / Chassis: C37-03 Ferrari / Laps: 120 laps, 525,720 km / Fastest lap: 1:17.558 min (P4, hypersoft tyres) / Programme: aerodynamic and mechanical tests, tyre work

Antonio Giovinazzi: “I am very happy with how the day went. It was good to be back in the car after completing FP1 for the Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team last week, and spending a day of testing with Ferrari yesterday. With a full day in the C37, I feel very comfortable and have learned a lot about its behaviour on track. We completed the planned programme which was our target, so I am very pleased. The team has done a fantastic job in developing the car. With the data that we collected today, they can hopefully continue to work in that direction. I look forward to being in the car again.”

Photos: Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team - 2018 FIA F1 World Championship