Cadillac hit the Bahrain International Circuit a day early ahead of the first official Formula 1 pre-season test, before announcing Lewis Hamilton’s former manager in a major role.
The American squad, which launched its unique black and white livery during the Super Bowl on Sunday, utilised the allotted ‘filming day’ allocations for F1 teams to take to the track.
Limited to just 200 kilometres and with non-race-spec tyres, the filming days do give teams an additional time to collect data, something Cadillac will find essential as it continues to take nascent steps in its first year of competition in F1.
Both Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez were given time in the car, as the team now prepares for the first day of the first three-day programme at the circuit.
And on Tuesday, the team marked another step in its journey by announcing the hiring of Marc Hynes as Chief Racing Officer.
Hynes recently stepped back from his involvement in the management team of Lewis Hamilton, with the move to Cadillac widely expected.
Cadillac said that Hynes’ role involves managing its “driver programme,” which includes Bottas, Perez, reserve driver Zhou Guanyu and test driver Colton Herta.
Hynes said: “Building a new team in Formula 1 is a rare challenge, and I’m excited to help shape the culture, processes, and performance standards from the very beginning.
“We have a strong and diverse driver line-up, and my focus will be on creating the clarity, alignment, and discipline needed to allow everyone – drivers and engineers alike – to perform at their very best.”
Graeme Lowdon, Cadillac’s Team Principal, said: “Marc brings an exceptional combination of racing experience, strategic understanding, and people management to the team.
“His ability to connect drivers, engineers, and leadership will be critical as we establish ourselves on the grid.
“As we enter our debut season, having someone of Marc’s calibre guiding our racing operations is a major asset for the Cadillac Formula 1 Team.”
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