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Giovinazzi out to prove he is more than a "simulator driver"

19:40, 08 Aug 2018

byAdam Newton

Antonio Giovinazzi has been fairly vocal recently, and why not? He’s is doing a very good job as Ferrari’s test driver, also testing for Sauber as well.

The Italian driver raced twice in F1 for Sauber at the start of 2017 after Pascal Wehrlein was injured at the Race of Champions and impressed many people with his pace. Now, the 24-year old will be looking for a full time race seat in 2019.

With rumours of Charles Leclerc being lined up for a Ferrari drive, Giovinazzi could be the next in the pecking order to race for Sauber.

He has spoken out now about his desire to show that he is “not a simulator driver” and his desire to race full time, which he has not done since finishing second in the GP2 championship in 2016.

Giovinazzi said: “I’m not a simulator driver - I want to be in the car.

“It’s my target for next year. I want to have my opportunity and see if I’m ready. I want to show I’m here because I’m a good driver and not [just] a simulator driver.

“I’m already a really lucky guy. I’m already third driver in Scuderia Ferrari, where for many drivers it is maybe a dream. For me, when I signed for Ferrari it was a dream come true.

“Of course to not be on the track is really hard, but I wait one year, I’m waiting now, but like I say, I want just my opportunity and show I’m here because I’m a good driver.”

So, do you think Giovinazzi deserves a chance in a race seat?