Ferrari fire up SF21 for first time, announce launch date

Ferrari has powered up its 2021 challenger for the first time ahead of confirming a launch date of February 26.

The SF21, that will be driven by Charles Leclerc and new team-mate Carlos Sainz this year, roared into life at the team's Maranello headquarters on Friday morning.

The Scuderia is putting its faith in a car that has undergone significant changes to its power unit after a woefully under-performing campaign last year.

Ferrari finished a lowly sixth in the constructors' championship, its worst performance for 40 years at the end of a Covid-hit 17-race campaign.

Speaking to the workforce shortly before the fire up, team principal Mattia Binotto said: “Our 2021 season starts here.

“We can expect plenty of challenges along the way and we are determined to do better.

"The car has been improved in all areas where developments are permitted. We must work in a determined and focused way, aware of where we were and where we want to go.

"But now it's time for the SF21 to do the talking."

The sound of the new power unit echoed around the vehicle assembly area for a few seconds with the minimum number of personnel involved, in accordance with working practices relating to the pandemic.

Ferrari's launch is to be staged over two online events on February 26 and March 10.

You can see and listen to the fire up here...

The 2021 season starts here ?#essereFerrari ? #SF21 pic.twitter.com/1LfRYQFiqu

— Scuderia Ferrari (@ScuderiaFerrari) February 12, 2021

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