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Massa to get first Ferrari run at Jerez

ESPNF1 Staff
January 31, 2012 « Williams to launch 2012 car at Jerez test | Pay-drivers make 'an absurd situation' - Massa »
Felipe Massa take to the wheel of the new Ferrari on the first day of testing © Getty Images
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Felipe Massa has been given the nod to drive the new Ferrari first at the opening test at Jerez next week.

The new car will be launched on Friday at the team's base in Maranello before being transported to the south of Spain for the first day of testing on February 7. According to the team, Massa will "begin the development work, with Fernando closing the test".

Prior to that, Ferrari is hoping to run the car on its Fiorano test track for promotional filming purposes, but forecasted snow towards the end of the week could prevent it making its debut. The car will be packed up and sent to Jerez on the afternoon of February 4 (Saturday), meaning the team has a small window of time to get it running at Fiorano.

Alonso will drive the new car for the first two days of the second pre-season test at Barcelona before handing it over to Massa for the remaining two days. The order will then be reversed once more at the final pre-season test in early March, with Massa going first and Alonso second.

Both drivers, as well as Ferrari Driver Academy duo Jules Bianchi and Davide Rigon, are currently in Lanzarote as the team's winter training camp comes to an end.

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