Ferrari confirm launch date and sign de la Rosa

Ferrari has signed Pedro de la Rosa as a development driver, it emerged from the team’s annual winter media event at ski resort Madonna di Campiglio on Wednesday.

F1’s official website said the veteran Spaniard, who left his role as McLaren’s long-time tester to race with now-defunct HRT last year, will help Ferrari "improve their simulator".

De la Rosa, 41, confirmed the news on Twitter.

Ferrari also announced in the Italian Dolomites that it will launch its new car at its Maranello headquarters on 1 February.