By rights, the F12 shouldn't be able to do what Ferrari says it can do, which is to lap the Fiorano circuit, the company's time-honored reference track, in 1:23.

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However, Schumacher looks to be in good form going into the season - on Monday he set a new lap record at his Ferrari team's home track in Fiorano.

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The Finn must wait until testing in Mugello later this month as Massa will take the drive when the new car is presented at their home track in Fiorano on 15 January.

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First, Ferrari and Sotheby's will preview the sale, on May 14 and 15, at the Fiorano test track, which is adjacent to the Ferrari Logistics Building where the auction will take place.

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Ferrari, meanwhile, are the only team in F1 with their own test track, Fiorano, while their budget, thought to be second highest in the sport, means that almost more than any other team they are able to throw money at a problem.

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