Red Bull/Getty Images. File photo.
Former Formula 1 racer Jean-Eric Vergne has begun his simulator duties with Ferrari, following his move to the team last month.
Vergne raced for Toro Rosso between 2012 and 2014 but lost his seat as Red Bull opted to place Carlos Sainz and Max Verstappen at the Faenza-based team.
Vergne switched to a test role with Ferrari and will conduct the majority of simulator work for the team at its Maranello factory, with Sauber refugee Esteban Gutierrez occupying a reserve driver position.
"The first day as a Ferrari man is really something special," said Vergne. "But already last night, I took a short trip around Maranello and I realised that this is a city that lives and breathes Ferrari.
"This year, I will be doing a lot of work in the simulator and this first introduction to it was very useful. I know Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen well and I can’t wait to work with them."
Since his exit from Formula 1 Vergne has raced in two rounds of the Formula E season for Andretti Autosport.
