F1 – Chinese GP 2024, Fp1: Ferrari SF-24 very stable in the center of the corner. Effective set-up

For the rest, we know well the great work done on the tyres. A extra study on the simulator to better understand the hysteresis cycle of the tire. Decided factor in the qualification of Japan which, as we have seen, had a significant negative impact on the qualification of the “two Carlos”. A deficient activation of the compounds which did not allow the Ferrari drivers to access the maximum performance of the red-band Pirellis, where part of the grip remained unexpressed just like the performance. Problem solved on a theoretical level, this is what the interesting directs claim on the eve of the race weekend.

The Grand Prix from the China edition 2024, the fifth event of the ongoing competitive campaign, presents a very complicated route. Areas in antithesis to each other that give space to different interpretations. Furthermore, the new generation wing cars have never raced on this track and consequently the Know how available to technicians, engineers and pilots will not be that high. The question marks are different, in short. If we then add to what has been said the particular format of the Sprint Racethe first of the six planned for the world championship, the picture of the situation becomes decidedly more complicated. Ferrari has one objective for Shanghai: to further close the gap on Red Bull.

F1|Ferrari SF-24:

The two Ferrari they had taken to the track for the first run. It is useless to underline the obsessive attention paid to the outlap, considering the very low grip of the track. Gearbox set to position GX3not aggressive. Leclerc closes a very cautious round where there is no shortage of corrections. Ditto for Sainz who loses the car in T2. Ridiculous adhesion a Shanghai in these unique free practices. The plan of Liberty Media it works perfectly….

A few minutes and the situation is resolved. The reds return to the track, again with the red band Pirellis. You switch to push mode. Although the track conditions are far from optimal, in the end the two SF-24 they don’t behave badly at all. We now move on to Engine 1 mode, to have more convincing evidence at the ectodermal level and understand the “weight” of the PU 066/10. At the same time, we try to collect important data on the resistance to progress in the long stretch at high speed T3 (1.2km). The track engineers of the “due Carlo” provide various interesting information and advice.

Tips for maximizing corner exit in certain areas of the track, keeping in mind that the Ferrari, on an intrinsic level, tends to enter corners very strongly having a very solid front end. However, traction must be taken care of, which is why insertion at the beginning of the movement must be sacrificed T3 It is in the T1. Up to now the reds have simulated the flying lap, to understand if the basic set-up of the SF-24 studied on the simulator was congenial. From the first feedback from the pilots, no particular complaints can be heard. On the contrary, it seems that everything is working as expected.

The two Ferrari they seem very low in terms of ride heighta situation that offers a lot downforce but, at the same time, they give life to a light porpoising which is also evident in the various changes in direction of the T2. During these first two run no trim corrections have arrived regarding the wings. While on the heights from the ground it seems that on the number 16 car Charles they made a small touch up to the front. The objective of the suspension modification was to better stabilize the aerodynamic platform and guarantee load stability in the various speed ranges considering the excursions of the surface with the vehicle in motion.

The simulation on push lap continue for Ferrari also in this third trip. Sainz he aborted the first lap due to a small error and some annoying traffic. Also Leclerc he lost time with other riders but still finished the lap. Marcos he suggests a focus in turn 6, to improve the rotation of the car beforehand of the apexWhile Adami recommend to Carlos not to use the toggle pre-mapped regarding the differential in curve 1. Once these attempts have been made, we now move on to the mode Engine 4 (Ice), Soc 6 (Hybrid) to simulate the race pace with a high quantity of fuel on board.

Once these attempts have been made, we now move on to the mode Engine 4 (ICE), Soc 6 (Hybrid) to simulate the race pace with a high quantity of fuel on board. Adami points out to Carlos as its front tends to slip a little in turn 8. For this reason he advocates greater attention when entering the aforementioned corner and, at the same time, suggests the function “tire position 3” to best manage the coverage. All in all, even in this case Ferrari seems to have a good balance.

With Soft tires that had more than 16 laps under their belt, in this high fuel mini run at the end of the session covering 3/4 laps, the two SF-24s did not suffer from graining at all. The lap times are faster than the Red Bull by at least a good second but, as probably happened in the last few races, the RB20s were on different programmes. This does not take away from the fact that the two Italian cars showed a really good approach. Generally speaking, a single-seater that is very well balanced on the road, especially at high speeds.

We also noticed that, following the engineers’ advice, the red standard bearers often sacrificed entry via precise trajectories to maximize traction. The results in turn 1 were of a high level, a difficult bend and really important for the economy of the lap. We can say without a doubt that the basic setup chosen in the simulator works

Author: Alessandro Arcari – @berrageiz

Images: Scuderia Ferrari – F1TV