Ferrari development 'dramatic' in 2018

Ferrari's 2018 car has improved "dramatically" through the first half of the 2018 season according to test driver Antonio Giovinazzi. Having driven the SF71H in Barcelona in May, Giovinazzi says he can feel a huge step forward from the Scuderia's challenger after just two months of development.

Mercedes' monopoly in Formula 1's power stakes is thought to have ended in 2018, with Ferrari discovering an innovative way of deploying electrical energy to give them a straight-line advantage.

Acceleration out of corners is thought to be the key point in Ferrari's new gain.

Giovinazzi broke the unofficial lap record at the Hungaroring in Tuesday's test event, clocking one minute 15.648 seconds - five tenths quicker than the best time set over the preceding grand prix weekend - Sebastian Vettel's 1:16.170 from free practice three.

.@Anto_Giovinazzi hits the track with the #SF71H at the Hungaroring #F1Testing Day1 pic.twitter.com/9w95woFv9m — Scuderia Ferrari (@ScuderiaFerrari) July 31, 2018

With Mercedes and Renault scratching their heads over how Ferrari have left them behind, Giovinazzi outlined just how great the progress has been.

"[It is] a big step. Last time [I tested] was in May and now we're in the end of July. It was a big step," Giovinazzi said.

"It's really good to see this improvement from the car. It showed the team and drivers are doing a fantastic job to improve the car.

"I had tried the car in the Barcelona rookie test, and I must say it has improved dramatically. I think the team did a great job.

"Just overall, everywhere. I was really happy with the car."