Leclerc on Ferrari duty for testing in France

Two weeks ago, it was announced that Charles Leclerc would be replacing Kimi Raikkonen for next season, and today he gets his first opportunity in a Ferrari car as he takes part in a tyre test at the Paul Ricard in France.

This will be Leclerc's official debut for Scuderia, before joining the side for the real action next season.

Leclerc's contract means he will race the final six Grands Prix at Sauber before making the step-up to one of F1's biggest and most iconic names.

This tyre test is part of Pirelli's official tyre testing program to try and prepare teams/drivers for the next campaign, and the top two in Formula One; Mercedes and Ferrari are expected to run two full days.

Leclerc will be in Ferrari's SF71-H for the first time, whilst Mercedes have sent Valtteri Bottas to test their W09 in France.

Pirelli tyre testing events are different to the official F1 testing, with all teams having the opportunity to take part in the private sessions around different tracks throughout the season.

The teams do not know what compounds or specifications of the tyres they will be testing.

For you Ferrari fans out there; it will be the first chance to see your new man Leclerc in the famous red car! Hopefully we'll share some pictures for you later...

It's time for #Fit4F1Testing! Today we're back at @PaulRicardTrack for our 2019 slick tyre development test, with @Charles_Leclerc driving for @ScuderiaFerrari and @ValtteriBottas on track with @MercedesAMGF1. Current weather conditions at Le Castellet: sunny, 23° air. #Fit4F1

— Pirelli Motorsport (@pirellisport) September 20, 2018