Pictures: Kimi Raikkonen hits the track in new Alfa Romeo Racing F1 car

Alfa Romeo Racing F1 2019 car

Alfa Romeo Racing were not supposed to launch their 2019 Formula 1 car until testing on Monday but on Valentine’s Day they gave fans a sneak peek of their new challenger.

The Swiss team, formerly known as Sauber, conducted a filming day in Fiorano, Italy, and new driver Kimi Raikkonen put the car through its paces on the track.

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Featuring a special Valentine’s Day black and red livery, which included images of hearts and the Alfa Romeo cloverleaf logo, Raikkonen told Sky Sports that the new car “felt good”.

The Finnish driver said: “We had a good session on track. The car felt good and I was able to get a first impression of the car we will be running this season.

“We will work on the last few details and head to Barcelona for two weeks of testing. I look forward to getting to know the car better there.”

Alfa Romeo Racing will officially launch their new car on the first morning of the first pre-season test at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona.

The first test in Spain takes place from 18-21 February and all teams will be on track with their new machines.

F1’s second pre-season testing event will also be held in Barcelona from 26 February to 1 March. Australia hosts the opening grand prix of the 2019 F1 season on Sunday 17 March.

Pictures: Alfa Romeo Racing’s 2019 F1 car

Images: Alfa Romeo Racing/Twitter