Jean-Eric Vergne Says His First Day At Ferrari Is Something ‘Special’

Frenchman Jean-Eric Vergne, the newly signed test driver of Ferrari for the 2015 season, has officially started his work in the team's Formula One, or F1, simulator. Vergne seemed properly prepared for his first day with his new team.

"The first day as a Ferrari man is really something special," Vergne said as quoted in the Ferrari's site. "But already last night, I took a short trip around Maranello and I realised that this is a city that lives and breathes Ferrari."

After his first day of working at his new job, Vergne said that he can't wait to work with Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen. In addition to his trip around the city, Vergne also visited the Maranello facility and met with engineers and the rest of the management team. Vergne will be working with Ferrari, particularly with simulator work.

Vergne Looks At Ferrari Stint As An Excellent Opportunity In 2016

Vergne raced for Scuderia Toro Rossi between 2012 and 2014. He drove three full season before leaving Toro Rosso at the end of the 2014 season. With Ferrari, Vergne is eyeing for a seat in 2016 after it has been suggested that Raikkonen could vacate his race seat at the end of the 2015 season.

Vergne joined Ferrari as a test driver in December 2014. In the same month, Esteban Gutierrez, who was dropped by Sauber, has joined Ferrari as the third driver. While much criticism has been thrown around after the appointment of Gutierrez as a reserve driver, Vergne has no hard feelings about it. Gutierrez will be travelling with Ferrari at every Grand Prix.

Speaking to Italian news outlet Gazetta dello Sport, Vergne said that he prefers to be tasked with simulator work because he knows that he will be able to bring something useful to the Ferrari team. He said that his role presents a big challenge and he is ready to give his 100 percent to help Ferrari get back to the top. Even though Vergne will not be able to race in the 2015 season, he believes that a stint with Ferrari is far better than being with Caterham or Marussia and always striving at the bottom.

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