Dino Beganović: Piloting a Ferrari is a unique experience

      Dino Beganovic will participate in the first session of free practice in Barcelona, replacing Lewis Hamilton. The day before the race weekend, the Ferrari press service asked the Swedish driver a few questions.

      Question: This Friday, you will pilot a new generation Formula 1 car for the first time. What are your expectations?

      Dino Beganovic: My expectations for the upcoming weekend and the first practice are related to both the technical side and the emotional aspect. Participating in the first practice is always a special event, especially the opportunity to get behind the wheel of a Ferrari again. Putting on the red suit, being back at the wheel, and working together with the engineers and mechanics is a unique experience, so I am looking forward to the event in Barcelona.

      I have great memories of last year's practices, and now I want to use the experience gained and conduct the session even better. It is clear that the car will be new to me due to the changes in regulations and everything related to that, so the main task is to get accustomed to driving as quickly as possible.

      I want to do the job that the team expects from me, provide useful feedback, and adapt to the car as much as possible. If I succeed in this, the session will be successful for both the team and me.

      Question: What are the key features and technical challenges of the Barcelona circuit?

      Dino Beganovic: Everyone knows Barcelona very well, so the difference in results here is usually minimal, especially in qualifying. It is a very diverse track with a combination of slow, medium-speed, and fast corners that allow for testing almost all aspects of the car's performance and the driver's skill.

      The track temperature will be significantly higher than during the winter tests, so tire wear could become one of the key factors throughout the weekend. That is why this track has always been considered one of the most demanding.

      Additionally, after the return of the high-speed configuration of the last sector a few years ago, the lap has become even more exciting for drivers because it is here that speed and G-forces are particularly felt.

      Question: Last week, you finished third in the Sunday Formula 2 race in Monaco. How is your season going, and what do you expect from the event in Barcelona?

      Dino Beganovic: The season in Formula 2 has started well for me. In terms of speed, I am competitive, and I have fought for the podium in every Sunday race. Unfortunately, in two cases, technical issues hindered us, but this only confirms that in the aspects that depend on us, we have done our job well and demonstrated a high pace.

      The points earned in Monaco are very significant, as I am now back in the title fight. We want to build on this success, and that will be my focus in Barcelona, along with the opportunity to work behind the wheel of a Ferrari in the first practice.