Ferrari future star hails 'stronger than ever' relationship

Ferrari junior driver Dino Beganovic has hailed his relationship with the Scuderia as being "stronger than ever". 

The Formula 2 driver is very much a rising star within the Maranello-based team's ranks, and has been handed F1 first practice appearances this season in Bahrain and Austria. 

He is the Italian outfit's biggest prospect within its junior academy, and has been trusted to help support the development of next season's car for the new power unit regulations. 

Racing for Hitech TGR, the Swedish driver sits 10th in the F2 standings in what is his first full campaign, with two podiums having been achieved. 

Beganovic has been supported by Ferrari since 2020, and has outlined the significant part the iconic team is playing in his future. 

Discussing the support he receives from Ferrari in a RacingNews365 interview, Beganovic said: "I think, obviously it's good. They are, of course, a part of where my career is pointing, a big part of it, because I've been with them for many years now, since 2020. 

"So, it's a relationship that has been growing just more and more, and it's, I think, stronger than ever now, having done many days in the F1 car, and getting the opportunity in FP1 and so on. 

"It's very nice to be a part of such a big team and such an iconic team like Ferrari, and developing the car for next year, for example, but also being a part of what's happening this year, and working so closely to professional and experienced people."

'Main goal' still F1

On Monday, Ferrari allowed its junior driver to travel to Berlin, to take part in Formula E's rookie test. 

Beganovic tasted FE machinery for the first time with Mahindra, and ended the six-hour test 15th on the timesheets. 

It opened Beganovic's eyes to an entirely new championship, which is gaining significant interest from his F2 rivals. 

F2 drivers are becoming very interested in FE's Gen4 car, to be introduced at the end of next year. The car is expected to be quicker than a current F2 car; however, Beganovic remains focused on F1.

"Yeah, the Gen4 sounds interesting of where this championship is going. I'm not up to date with everything. 

"But, in the end, my main goal, and I think for many drivers, is Formula 1, and it's what you work for, since you're a kid. 

"But as well, seeing how this championship is working, the high standard of teams, high standard of drivers. 

"It's obviously attracting many drivers, so I would never exclude it, but the main goal remains the same."