Alfa Romeo Formula 1 drivers Kimi Räikkönen and Antonio Giovinazzi participated in a day of real-world tests of the new Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA and GTAm at the FCA Balocco Proving Ground, near Milan, Italy. The Giulia GTA is being developed with the benefit of the Formula 1 racing experience of Sauber Engineering, who are producing most of the carbon fibre components in the GTA and GTAm. These include the new front bumper, side skirts, diffuser, GTA spoiler and GTAm aerowing. Sauber has 50 years of experience in motorsport, including 27 years in F1.

Aerodynamic research from the wind tunnel has been used to hone components for the Giulia GTAm, including the wing appendages and fully faired underbody. The manually adjustable front and rear wings on the GTAm have been developed to adapt the car’s aerodynamic performance to any kind of track or road. The GTA and GTAm also benefit from a new diffuser capable of increasing the car’s downforce.

To complete the fine-tuning of the GTA and GTAm, the F1 drivers analysed the changes made to the car and gave an account of their impressions on the track, resulting in a joint assessment of the effects on vehicle dynamics. Giovinazzi offered tips on the car’s setup, paying special attention to the new carbon fibre components and the new technical solution adopted for the wheels with a single locking nut. “It is great to see the improvements we made to the cars today”, Antonio Giovinazzi said at the end of the test session.

Räikkönen worked with the aerodynamics department on the new appendages added to the adjustable front splitter and manually adjustable rear wing. He also examined the overall balance delivered by these new components, along with the diffuser and the underbody fairing, concluding; “I find them a perfect mix of everyday use and track use”.