It’s Ferrari once more in F1 for the third weekend in a row. Though the fervour is robust, a break can be good from time to time. However, right here we’re, with 5 units on, able to cowl this primary and solely observe session. Sixty minutes of depth. One hour during which the Prancing Horse will validate its simulator setup utilizing driver-in-the-loop software program. There are not any updates for the SF-24, in contrast to McLaren, which brings a brand new entrance wing. Ferrari has no updates, however it’s assured it may possibly compete on the prime in Brazil.
Spherical 21 of the premier motorsport collection takes place at Interlagos, a difficult circuit as a result of its distinctive format. The monitor contains a number of tight turns in Sector 2, the place braking should be managed whereas steering, together with quicker bends, high-speed sections, and diversified elevations. The climate seems to be good, although the occasion has typically seen sudden storms. Ferrari expects its automobile to carry out properly right here, because it has confirmed aggressive on all forms of circuits.
At present’s problem will likely be intriguing, as groups not solely give attention to outright efficiency with qualifying laps but additionally analyze conduct with a excessive gasoline load. This monitor has noticeable tire degradation, so F1 groups might want to discover a setup that maximizes their automobiles’ potential. Ferrari struggled on this space in 2023, so it has fastidiously ready to keep away from repeating these points. The objective? Begin sturdy from the outset.
F1, Brazilian GP 2024: Ferrari bumpy, missing uniform downforce
Let’s take a look at climate and monitor circumstances: 26.4°C air temperature, 53.4°C monitor temperature, 52% humidity, with a 1.2 km/h southwesterly wind. Within the storage, every thing is ready. Each “Carlos” are within the two SF-24s, awaiting the mechanics’ inexperienced mild to depart the pit lane. Roughly two minutes into the session, each Ferraris hit the Brazilian monitor for the primary time this weekend on a set of yellow-banded Pirelli tires.
This compound permits the group to review the automobiles’ conduct with a sure stage of stability. They begin with the ICE in Engine 5 mode, used for racing. After warming up the tires, they change to race mode and push. Charles lifts midway via his lap, feeling the tires weren’t absolutely warmed up. In distinction, Sainz completes his lap, however radios in to notice low grip on the monitor and that the automobile feels fairly bumpy.
The Italian group is taking a cautious method, as it may possibly’t afford any errors. On the second try, preliminary impressions aren’t nice. The group is assessing if the trip peak changes are appropriate. Early on, dealing with is imperfect, with an excessive amount of rear slip. Curves 1 and 10 are the principle losses thus far, with Leclerc dropping four-tenths in whole in comparison with Perez’s finest time. After just a few cooling laps, they improve the ICE energy output.
Charles needed to raise his foot on his third try, additionally making a -4 adjustment on the entrance wing to steadiness downforce. Sainz is extra exact at this stage and avoids site visitors, although he makes a mistake in Flip 12, going off monitor limits. He, too, lowers entrance downforce, “minus 2,” earlier than returning to the monitor. Although Charles began sturdy, he lifts once more whereas Sainz pushes. Each full laps however aren’t glad with their efficiency.
Leclerc says his lap was horrible. General, Ferrari is struggling, particularly with minor instability in Sector 2. There’s annoying oversteer, and Sainz continues to report extreme bouncing, notably in Flip 6, resulting in uneven downforce. The truth that oversteer seems with extra engine energy suggests changes are wanted to stabilize the aerodynamic platform. The SF-24 wants refining to unlock its full efficiency, which is at the moment lacking.
F1, Brazilian GP 2024: Ferrari restricted by trip peak doesn’t extract most efficiency
After a ten-minute break, each Ferrari automobiles return to the monitor. They’re nonetheless on the identical used Medium tires. Mechanics have seemingly made suspension changes to deal with instability. Charles Leclerc places in a extra constant time, and the automobile appears barely extra secure. Carlos Sainz, nevertheless, continues to wrestle. After this try, they transfer to high-fuel assessments to evaluate the automobile’s conduct with a full tank.
Within the race simulation, the tempo seems good. With extra gasoline, the automobile’s driveability appears improved, and the annoying corrections now not seem. It’s onerous to inform for certain in just some laps, particularly since we don’t know different groups’ gasoline hundreds. Nonetheless, in high-fuel testing, Ferrari appears to carry out higher than in a single lap. After a roughly five-lap run, they return to the storage, the place the mechanics match Gentle tires for an additional qualifying simulation, profiting from the added grip of the red-banded compound.
Midway via his first try, Charles lifts as a result of an error getting into Sector 2. He says grip is suboptimal, making it onerous to handle the automobile. After a cooling lap, he pushes once more and completes his lap, however isn’t glad. The identical goes for Carlos, who can’t discover the boldness to push to the restrict. Because the session nears its finish, issues aren’t going in addition to anticipated. It stays to be seen if the suspension is working because it ought to. Ferrari isn’t far off its goal however nonetheless wants to enhance.
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