F1: Vettel makes first appearance for Ferrari

Rome, Italy - Former world champion Sebastian Vettel on Saturday took to the wheel of a Ferrari for the first time following his move from Red Bull, Italian media reported.

The German four-time world champion's contract with Red Bull expired on Friday at midnight, and he wasted no time in getting into a car in the famous red of the Scuderia at the Fiorano circuit near Modena in central Italy.

Vettel tried out a Ferrari 458 Italia before climbing into the F2012, the Formula One car used two seasons ago.

For the occasion he wore a white helmet marked with the inscription "My first day with Ferrari" as well as the date, Gazzetta dello Sport reported.

Vettel signed a three-year deal with Ferrari earlier this month that will see him team up with Kimi Raikkonen from next year.

He replaces Fernando Alonso, who departs after a five-year spell in which he failed to deliver a world championship title, in large part due to Vettel's recent domination.

The 27-year-old was world champion in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 before losing his crown to Lewis Hamilton this year. — Agence France-Presse