Sacha Fenestraz has revealed he will get behind the wheel of a Ferrari Formula 1 car next year as part of a Testing of Previous Cars outing, following his move to Maranello earlier this year.
The French-Argentine driver joined Ferrari as a simulator and development driver in July, having spent three seasons in a similar role with Mercedes at Brackley before switching teams during the summer.
Fenestraz, who has built a career across Super Formula, Super GT and Formula E alongside his simulator duties, described the move to Ferrari as a significant step up in profile.
Speaking to Grande Premio, he said the role closely mirrors what he was doing at Mercedes, with one notable upgrade.
"The truth is, it's a dream to be able to work there, and it's a dream to be with such a big name in motorsport," said Fenestraz.
"The work is great; it's a bit like what I did with Mercedes in Brackley, only now I get to eat some good pasta in Italy and drive a Formula 1 Ferrari in the simulator, and potentially a couple of tests next year as well, so it's a really great opportunity."
Fenestraz explains importance of Ferrari F1 test
Fenestraz went further, confirming that a TPC run in a Ferrari has already been agreed for 2027, even if the exact timing is still being worked out.
TPC running allows teams to use machinery built to older technical regulations for private track sessions outside championship events, giving simulator drivers like Fenestraz valuable seat time without touching current-specification development parts.
Ferrari has yet to confirm publicly whether that outing will fall under TPC rules or come as part of a dedicated rookie test.
"I'm going to have a test next year, I already know that and they confirmed it," the 26-year-old revealed on Singapore race week.
"I was supposed to be there next week, but I can't make it because I have the Super GT race at Autopolis, so oh well, it'll happen eventually.
"I'm really looking forward to it, but obviously the most important thing for them is for me to get in the car to improve my simulator performance.
"All the simulator drivers have to get behind the wheel of a TPC car to gain experience in a Formula 1 car, so I'll just have to wait for that day."
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