Ferrari approaches Yas Marina within the worst potential approach. Spherical 24 of the 2024 Method 1 season sees Charles Leclerc sadly dealing with a hefty penalty. This refers back to the ten-place grid penalty issued by the FIA, because the mechanics of the historic Maranello staff had been compelled to interchange the battery pack on automobile quantity 16 in any case obligatory checks. A big blow, because the Prancing Horse is battling McLaren for the Constructors’ Championship. Already a difficult process, this case considerably reduces the possibilities of turning issues round.
This morning, Arthur Leclerc additionally took to the monitor. The Monegasque accomplished a clear session with out errors, working effectively beneath Riccardo Adami’s steering. His older brother ran for lower than half an hour as a result of aforementioned Power Retailer concern. In that brief time, the SF-24 carried out decently, displaying good baseline steadiness, although some points definitely wanted to be addressed.
Now let’s additionally have a look at how occasions unfolded for the 2 Ferrari drivers within the second free apply session for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The 2 Ferraris hit the monitor and for this preliminary run, Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz used a set of Pirelli yellow-banded tires.
The setup validation continues to hunt fine-tuning and maximize the vehicles’ efficiency. After activating the tires, they proceed with a reconnaissance lap because the sundown progressively offers strategy to evening. A single cooldown lap follows, then the change to Engine Mode 1 for optimum energy on the inner combustion engine. Between the 2 drivers, the Spaniard interprets the monitor higher with a extra delicate method. The monitor engineers present all obligatory options to enhance dealing with and handle the automobile.
After two cooling laps for the tires, they go full throttle once more. Carlos Sainz is compelled to abort as a result of heavy visitors, and so is his teammate. In consequence, Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz make one other try on the following lap. The Monegasque improves, however the Spaniard doesn’t. Charles Leclerc is especially sturdy in Sector 1, the place Flip 5 seems higher managed when it comes to load switch. The work program continues to push the automobile’s limits. Charles pushes a bit too laborious and expresses concern concerning the ground after hitting the curbs too aggressively, requesting a car test.
The primary stint ends with each Ferraris trailing the McLarens of Norris and Piastri, who maintain fourth place. Summarizing the scenario, the rotation concern stays, although partially minimized in comparison with the morning’s run on the identical tires. A constructive word is the traction exiting Turns 5 and seven. Nonetheless, the drivability of the SF-24 on the apex of a number of corners nonetheless wants enchancment, because the racing line tends to widen, forcing the vehicles to cowl additional distance. Directional adjustments additionally require larger agility.
Within the second a part of the qualifying simulation, the change is made to Pirelli tires with pink sidewalls. Each Ferrari vehicles purpose to finish the nice and cozy up course of as successfully as potential to make sure optimum tire deformation and obtain most grip. This part is fastidiously managed, they usually proceed. Carlos Sainz goes out first however encounters some visitors that prices him time. Charles Leclerc faces the identical concern. Total, grip ranges didn’t appear optimum. Two laps to chill the tires are adopted by one other push try.
Fortuitously, Charles’ automobile has no injury to the ground. Through the cooldown lap, Sainz stops within the pits for a tweak to the front-end load, whereas Leclerc opts to take care of the identical downforce configuration. Within the subsequent laps, the Ferraris make changes as wanted. Though the steadiness is nice, exact dealing with is required to ship sturdy efficiency, which isn’t but on the desired stage. The Ferraris return to the storage, awaiting their closing run of the day. It appears suspension changes can be made to enhance efficiency.
Discussing this run, the tires struggled to achieve their goal temperature. Nonetheless, as soon as activated, the lead to Flip 5 was considerably higher, hitting the apex with out affected by oversteer on exit. Extra work seems obligatory for nook preparation, as demanding an excessive amount of from the entrance finish on this monitor is proving uncompetitive. Within the closing a part of qualifying, round quarter-hour, the 2 Ferraris returned to the monitor on Medium tires for a race tempo simulation.
With a excessive gas load, the Ferrari vehicles exhibit fewer drivability points. Partly as a result of lowered cornering speeds, the SF-24 turns into extra manageable, permitting the drivers to focus extra on their tempo. Evaluating to McLaren at this stage isn’t simple. Nonetheless, the 2 MCL38s appear extra aggressive, although the gas hundreds on every automobile stay unknown. Lastly, just a few observations on what now we have seen.
On single-lap efficiency, Ferrari has untapped potential. Advantageous-tuning is required, although. Relating to race tempo, changes to the setup appear essential to optimize efficiency, which remains to be not at McLaren’s stage. The standard simulator work in a single day can be essential for Ferrari, as it’ll assist implement the adjustments wanted to extract most efficiency, which to date stays unrealized throughout at this time’s two periods within the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
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