Alesi lauds Giovinazzi deal

Former Ferrari driver Jean Alesi has praised the team’s decision to sign up young Italian driver Antonio Giovinazzi.

The GP2 runner up will serve as Ferrari’s reserve driver in 2017 and Alesi feels he has a bright future in the sport.

“It’s fantastic,” the Frenchman said in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, “but it would have been astonishing if Ferrari had allowed such an opportunity to escape.

“Giovinazzi is a well-educated young man, which is rare these days, but above all he is an excellent driver. He came within a hair of the title in his first GP2 season, now he just needs some good kilometres.”

Another Ferrari junior, meanwhile, is Alesi’s own 17-year-old son Giuliano, but the youngster is staying put for a second season of GP3 this year.

“Working with the [Ferrari] academy is a guarantee,” said 52-year-old Alesi. “Giuliano can develop without rushing.”

Alesi is not so keen on seeing his son get into a Formula One car though.

“If necessary, I would lay down in front of the box exit!” he exclaimed. “Giuliano can only think of GP3 for now.

“If he wants to get in a F1 car, then we have one at home that he can get in and I will take a photo.”