With just one free observe session accessible throughout a Dash weekend, such a robust exhibiting in Qatar appeared unlikely. However, Ferrari took a daring step by bringing again the experimental ground first launched in Las Vegas. After its preliminary use within the U.S., the place it was primarily used for knowledge assortment, the ground made its return on Charles Leclerc’s automobile in Losail. Right here’s what the telemetry evaluation reveals when evaluating Ferrari’s outdated and new flooring throughout the quickest laps in Qatar FP1.
In 2024, Ferrari launched a number of iterations of the SF-24’s ground. Following the debut’s baseline model, an replace was rolled out in Barcelona, which negatively impacted the efficiency of each Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz. That model later advanced into the Monza ground, designed with a forward-looking method towards 2025. The Qatar model, beforehand seen in Las Vegas, represents not simply an evolution however a revolution of its predecessor.
Important adjustments had been made, particularly to the ground’s edges, basically altering the habits of this crucial aerodynamic element. These modifications drastically improved airflow administration beneath the automobile. Based mostly on onboard footage and telemetry knowledge, the brand new ground delivered good points even in slower corners (Flip 6), regardless of a stiffer setup geared toward enhancing efficiency via high-speed sections.
Supply: fingenerale
Supply: fingenerale
The comparability within the 7-8-9 sequence, regardless of these being long-radius corners, is especially promising. Whereas Carlos Sainz needed to carry barely between Turns 8 and 9, Charles Leclerc saved the throttle absolutely open with out shedding grip, as proven by the acceleration graph. Charles Leclerc’s inputs had been a lot cleaner, sustaining 100% throttle all through.
An much more spectacular outcome for the brand new ground is obvious within the horseshoe part (Turns 12-13-14). Final yr, Ferrari was compelled to carry off considerably, shedding mid-corner pace. Whereas the Monza ground on Carlos Sainz’s automobile represents a big enchancment, the Spaniard nonetheless needed to carry barely to keep up turn-in stability.
Supply: fingenerale
Supply: fingenerale
Charles Leclerc, nevertheless, managed to take the primary a part of the sequence flat out, confirmed by acceleration knowledge exhibiting no pace loss. The important thing distinction got here within the cornering part, the place Charles Leclerc maintained a median pace 10 km/h larger than his teammate.
Now Ferrari faces a vital determination: proceed utilizing the brand new ground for the rest of the weekend or reserve it for additional refinement forward of 2025. Whatever the alternative, the primary product from the brand new wind tunnel has exceeded expectations. Furthermore, it has addressed a crucial weak spot of the SF-24: warming up the entrance tires. That is particularly vital at Losail, a circuit recognized for being front-limited.
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