(Motorsport-Total.com) – After the race weekend in Silverstone, Ferrari has already traveled to Madrid. As Motorsport.com has learned, the Scuderia will go on track on Thursday (July 9) at the “Madring” – the new street circuit where the Spanish Grand Prix will be held for the first time next September.
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The SF-26 will thus be the first Formula 1 car to take the track layout in Madrid under its wheels. This debut allows the team from Maranello to collect valuable data while simultaneously providing an important test for the event organizers.
Officially, it is a so-called filming day, a session dedicated to promotional activities where the regulations allow a driving distance of up to 200 kilometers.
Hamilton and Leclerc on site
The two regular drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc will take turns at the wheel. This gives them the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the new track – the only one newly added to the 2026 race calendar.
Although Ferrari must operate within the limits set for this type of activity, the team can begin to gain useful insights into the characteristics of the track. This information is likely to prove extremely valuable ahead of the Grand Prix weekend.
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Renderings of the Madring: Spain’s new Formula 1 track
The most surprising aspect is the timing and speed with which Ferrari managed to organize this filming day. Until a few days ago, the Madring was still an active construction site, at least in the area of the grandstands and pit lane infrastructure. A recent visit by a delegation of journalists showed that work was still ongoing in several parts of the facility.
Construction not yet completed, track ready
As far as the actual track is concerned, the situation is different. The 5.416-kilometer course with its 22 corners and a long steep curve is now completed, and Ferrari’s presence will be further confirmation of the progress made.
The test not only allows the Scuderia to gather initial track knowledge but also offers the Madring organizers a valuable opportunity to check the facility’s operations with a modern Formula 1 car and to obtain crucial feedback ahead of the September debut.
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