There was a surprise test driver yesterday at Ferrari's private Fiorano track.

Getting behind the wheel of an F2004 was a driver who had not been seen in Formula 1 for quite some time: Carlos Reutemann.

The Argentinian driver arrived in Maranello yesterday, renewing acquaintance with the Ferrari team that had seen him race as a front runner in the second half of the Seventies.

Reutemann was a works driver from the end of the 1976 season to 1978, winning a Constructors’ title in 1977 and five Grands Prix.

He was met by Managing Director Jean Todt and visited both the Gestione Sportiva and the Gestione Industriale, as well as having a telephone conversation with President Montezemolo, who is currently on business in China.

It was his chat with the sporting director from his days as a Ferrari driver that led to the idea of a test in the car that won this year’s Drivers’ and Constructors’ titles.

And so, this morning, Reutemann came to Fiorano where mechanics and engineers waited to put him through a really special test drive.

On his feet, the same shoes he wore in his racing days and even his helmet bore his old yellow and blue colours. “Lole” did several runs, completing a total of seventeen laps.

“It was an unforgettable experience,” said Reutemann after the drive. “I would like to thank Ferrari for having organised this test even though it was a holiday. It was really exciting and I enjoyed myself very much!

"The car is impressive, especially in terms of the power from the engine. It is completely different to the car that I drove back in my day.

"Watching on television, Formula 1 today can look easy, but having tried it myself I can guarantee you that is not the case."