De la Rosa’s ’first’ as a Ferrari man

Yesterday was Pedro de la Rosa’s first appearance as a Ferrari man, when, along with the head of the FDA, Luca Baldisserri, he attended the fourth edition of the “Beca Santander Jovenes Promesas” ceremony, organised by one of Scuderia Ferrari’s most important sponsors.

With a broad smile on his face and a Ferrari fleece on his back, the Spaniard dealt with questions from the press at the event, who were very interested in his first impressions of his new role. “I am proud and very happy, mainly because Ferrari is more than just a Formula 1 team,” said Pedro. “I’m starting a new phase of my life: for a driver it’s important to work with the big teams, especially because you can learn from the best engineers and professionals in this sport. I am proud that Ferrari had faith in me, especially as it means I will be able to help a Spanish champion, in the shape of Fernando Alonso.”

It’s less than two weeks since the announcement, but De la Rosa has already been able to experience the intense pressure that reigns in Maranello. “It’s logical, because it’s a team that is used to winning,” commented the Catalan driver. “In Formula 1, whether it comes from below or from elsewhere, pressure is total, but definitely, I immediately saw that, at Ferrari, winning is the only thing that matters. Every time I go to Maranello there is something to learn and it’s a continual experience. Even if I cannot say much, because I have only known Ferrari for a short time, I can say that, at least once in your life, you have to go to Maranello. I’m not talking about the factory, but rather the city: it’s there that you start to understand the difference between a team like Ferrari and all the others, because you already feel as though you are pretty much within the company. Every restaurant, bar or person on the street has something red: it’s really impressive!

Pedro will make his debut at the wheel of the Prancing Horse’s new car on 8th February at Jerez, when he will take over the wheel from team-mate Felipe Massa, who is driving for the first three days of the session. For De la Rosa this is the best way possible to be of immediate use to the team. “I’ve seen the new car in the factory, as it is being prepared for the first test,” he explained. “I am very happy to be able to test it and honestly I had not expected that. It’s a unique opportunity to begin to understand how the car works and how I can help with the work in the simulator.”