Giovinazzi relishing Le Mans debut, first race in 14 months

Antonio Giovinazzi is relishing his return to racing action when he features in next month’s 24 Hours of Le Mans after more than a year focusing on testing and development duties.

Ferrari Formula 1 junior Giovinazzi was named as part of the Italian manufacturer’s works GT line-up for Le Mans, driving in the #52 AF Corse Ferrari 488 GTE Evo alongside Toni Vilander and Pipo Derani in the GTE-Pro class.

Le Mans will mark Giovinazzi’s first entry to a race since he appeared in last year’s Chinese Grand Prix for Sauber when he deputised for the injured Pascal Wehrlein.

The Italian driver has since tested on multiple occasions for Ferrari, as well as appearing for both Haas and Sauber in development capacities despite missing out on a seat at the latter for 2018.

“It’s really exciting. It will be a different car, but it’s a different type of race, 24 hours with three drivers,” Giovinazzi said.

“I’m looking forward to that race. Before I will have some tests, the Le Mans test, and then the race.”

Asked if it would feel good to get back racing again after such a long time, Giovinazzi said: “Yes. It’s been a long time!

“It will be 24 hours, so a longer race. It’s a historic race, I’m always watching on the TV.

“So to go there and race there, it will be really fun.”

Giovinazzi will head to Le Mans with some sports car racing experience to draw on, having appeared in two rounds of the FIA World Endurance Championship in 2016 with Extreme Speed Motorsports in the LMP2 class.

Prior to appearances with Sauber and Ferrari in F1 testing earlier this week at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Giovinazzi also took part in a Pirelli tyre test for Ferrari at Fiorano earlier this year. He also featured in Formula E's rookie test in Marrakesh for DS Virgin Racing back in January.