The Italian tester has already started testing for the forthcoming season, running at the Barcelona and Jerez circuits. “During the winter tests, we have worked on tyre development, doing a very high mileage for Bridgestone. We have also spent a lot of time on development of new electronics. Obviously, in the light of FIA’s announcement yesterday, we will have to see if the results of these tests will still be applicable.”

Badoer was asked for his opinion on the suggestion that current Formula 1 cars are too easy to drive. “I don’t agree,” he replied. “It is always very difficult to drive a car on the limit. It is true that when we did not have an automatic gearbox or power-steering, the cars were physically more demanding to drive. However, it happens in races, be they in Formula 1 or in karting that you have to give your maximum and it is never easy.”