Ferrari is preparing to check the work done on the simulator. In F1 this practice is very determined over the years weekend, as it is capable of radically changing the performance face of a competitive context. For this reason the men of prancing Horse they made an effort extra to unlock the potential of the Italian car. SF-24 updated in the bottom, in the bellies and in the rear wing. Measures to provide more load, especially to the rear axle and, at the same time, reduce resistance to progress. We are talking about elements already glimpsed yesterday.
Another interesting topic concerns tire management. Tires Pirelli which must be properly administered through the correct hysteresis cycle. Activation but above all maintenance of operating temperatures which, keeping in mind the layout of the Spanish circuit, make this operation very critical. The curves in support of the first sector introduce a high quantity of energy into the tire carcass which translates into a rise in temperatures. Getting into overheating in the T3 it means losing that necessary adhesion to performance.
Precisely for this reason all the stables of F1 they have suffered in this respect, since to get to the T3 with the right one working range performance in the first sector must be limited. Certainly not an easy job for the pilots who must be good at getting the most out of it. Warm-up strategy crucial. Yesterday, Ferrari it was not perfect in this fundamental sense. Today he hopes to be one or at least to be able to manage this aspect more efficiently. For the rest, we are curious to understand if the tuning changes were chosen using the simulator data driver-in-the-loop will be factual.
F1, Spanish GP Fp3: Ferrari optimizes the set-up of the SF-24
The moment of truth is revealed. Ferrari is about to take to the track to check whether the changes to the car’s setup will be correct. The “two Carlo” seem very concentrated within the garage, where they are exchanging final words with their race engineers. The sun shines high above Catalunya, where the climatic conditions are optimal. Let’s take a look at the temperatures before start: The air temperature was 27.4°C, the asphalt temperature was 41.3°C. Humidity at 55%, 0.5 km/h intensity of the wind blowing from the western quadrant.
The Ferrari drivers are waiting for the signal to abandon the pitlane. Engines running, visor lowered and off we go. For this first stint of Fp3the two redheads mount a set of compounds circled in red. You use the brakes a lot to activate the tires, while the gearbox is set to mode GX3, the usual one in short. Overall the balance doesn’t seem bad. Small mistake by Charles which arrives long at 10, added to an indecision at 7. The Monegasque’s usual tendency to brake very late. We now proceed with double cool down passing by the lane boxWhile Carlos enter ai box.
Bozzi he talks precisely about the braking phase and for this reason he suggests braking first in turns 1 and 10. At the same time, Charles will use the manettino pre-mapped with the configurations relating to the braking system for the T3. If it will have understeer in the T2curve 5, will be able to activate the toggle to manage the rotation. Charles he starts again and this time scores a good attempt, his race engineer himself confirms this by complimenting him. “Good job on the car.. yuuu“, eloquently the radio team of Leclerc which breathes a sigh of relief, as the setup change actually seems to be working as expected team.
Meanwhile too Sainz he returns to the track for a quick run where he confirms the step forward made on the set-up of the Italian car. Really good news for the historic Italian team of F1. A Ferrari which today follows what we have always observed up until now in the season: going down the track with a well-balanced car. Carlo as his teammate returns to the pits and observes his performance via telemetry. Shortly after, more track, again Leclerc always with reds. Bozzi suggests a slow intro so as not to put too much energy on the tires.
F1, Ferrari increases the stability of the SF-24
We now switch to mode ERS 1 to carry out a test on the hybrid part. Spread the 160 horsepower as best as possible extra supplied by the two motor generators is fundamental. Ferrari he decided to use a good portion of it for traction and then use the rest to support top speeds. Considering that yesterday Leclerc remained in the pits on stands for various adjustments, he immediately gets on the track for a quick test high fuel. Five passages with a high quantity of fuel on board where he tests his performance SF-24. Handling very good, free from corrections. You can clearly see the tire management in different corners: 3, 9 and 13.
Bozzi he says he is satisfied although he suggests waiting at turn 5 to avoid micro-blockages which could contribute to degradation. Also Sainz on the track he begins his work plan with a lot of fuel on board. The Spaniard confirms what was said about the other Ferrari driver, since his reds show a very different attitude. If we really want to nitpick, we can say that there remains a bit of oversteer in turns 3 and 12, characteristics which however we have always seen as excessive rotation. The most important news concerns the balance found that allows greater stability during cornering phases.
Finish the tests high fuel we return to garage. The pilots are both very satisfied. It was not at all obvious to fix things, especially trying to validate the update package with the new parts. SF-24 magazine that certainly didn’t have many feedback available. In the last part of qualifying we return to testing the cars again with little fuel. The intention is to make the most of the improvement of the track. We therefore return to treading the asphalt again with a set of tyres Soft brand new, to maximize the performance and see what happens.
Sainz takes to the track first. The Spaniard puts together a truly excellent performance. Just a small flaw in turn 1 where he undoubtedly could have done better on the entry line. With regard to Charles we have to point out yet another mistake in turn 10 where a long hair arrives. Too bad because T1 And T2 they were records and he could put himself in front of everyone. However, 37 thousandths separate him from his teammate first in the time rankings. On the sidelines of the last stop at the box you abandon it again pitlane for the last attempt with the scrub rubbers which doesn’t change things.
Author: Alessandro Arcari – @berrageiz
Images: Scuderia Ferrari – F1Tv
