May 27 (GMM) While the famous Scuderia's race team prepared for the Monaco grand prix, Ferrari technicians at the weekend were also busy closer to home.

At the Maranello based team's own local test circuit at Fiorano in Italy, the new Ferrari-powered A1 GP car - which is based on the 2004 formula one single seater that was driven to the title by Michael Schumacher - was run for the first time.

Ferrari test driver Andrea Bertolini, who in the past has been central to the squad's F1 development duties, was at the controls, and a press document revealed that the "shakedown results (were) very encouraging" for the new car.

"The team will now undertake an intensive test programme at both the Fiorano test track and the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari in Imola," the statement added.

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