HERSHAM’S Sam Bird got to grips with his new machinery in Italy last week on his first day with new employers Ferrari.

The 28-year-old landed a contract with the historic company in January after winning the LMP2 title in the 2015 World Endurance Championship with the G-Drive/OAK Ligier squad.

He will race the AF Corse team’s #71 Ferrari 488 GTE with Davide Rigon.

“This is one of those days that you remember for a lifetime,” said Bird after a tour of the company’s factory in Maranello, Italy.

“Ferrari is a unique company where road and racing cars are assembled under one roof.

He added: “I am proud to represent the Prancing Horse in the World Endurance Championship and at the Le Mans 24 Hours and hope to achieve great results.”

The Formula E series heads to Argentina next weekend with Bird fourth in the drivers' standings.