Ferrari is as soon as once more prepared to check its automotive on observe with Pirelli. For the second time in per week, due to Testing of Earlier Vehicles programmes, Ferrari has the chance to reinforce its know-how with the pink automotive. Just a few kilometers to get conversant in the staff whereas awaiting the beginning of the championship. In a latest interview, former Purple Bull engineer Adrian Newey described the upcoming season’s technical rules as essentially the most vital revolution he has witnessed in his lengthy profession in Components 1.
The explanation lies in the truth that nothing from the present technology of vehicles will carry over to the brand new technology autos. In contrast to the 2022 rules, which reintroduced floor impact whereas retaining continuity in energy models, the 2026 guidelines won’t comply with this sample. The contribution of the electrical part within the energy models shall be tripled, and the MGU-H shall be retired.
Technical and political causes have led to a brand new structure for the V6 turbo-hybrid engines, necessitating extremely invasive aero-mechanical modifications for next-generation vehicles. On this context, one typically neglected facet is the affect of the brand new Pirelli tires, which will even endure vital modifications. Subsequent yr, Pirelli’s tires will nonetheless use 18-inch rims, regardless of preliminary discussions about switching to 16-inch rims.
Nevertheless, the tread width shall be lowered by 25 millimeters on the entrance and 30 millimeters on the rear. The purpose is evident: tires are one of many elements that generate essentially the most rolling resistance, and decreasing their frontal part will considerably enhance aerodynamic effectivity. As seen in 2016 and 2021, the tire provider should develop a brand new product with out having a automotive within the goal configuration. This problem is one thing Pirelli has efficiently addressed prior to now.
They completed this by counting on simulations and observe exams with appropriately modified vehicles from the earlier technology. On-track testing started final yr on the Montmeló circuit in September with Aston Martin, utilizing their 2022 automotive modified to copy, as carefully as attainable, the conduct of future vehicles that can incorporate lively aerodynamics. That is no simple activity, however it might tremendously help the Italian tire producer in attaining its targets.
Pirelli’s testing of tires for the following regulatory period will proceed at Montmeló, Spain, on February 4 and 5. On these days, Ferrari and the reigning world champions, McLaren, will take part. These exams are meticulously regulated below paragraph 10.10 of the sporting rules, which governs vehicles referred to as “mule vehicles”. In line with the foundations, solely vehicles that participated within the World Championship throughout one of many 4 calendar years previous the present yr can be utilized.
A key issue is explicitly acknowledged within the sporting rules: throughout the sort of take a look at, the usage of experimental elements, take a look at software program, or part modifications that present a competitor with data not strictly associated to tire testing is strictly prohibited. Software program and part modifications are allowed provided that vital for the correct analysis of take a look at parts or to finish the testing program, and, in any case, have to be authorized by the Worldwide Federation earlier than being applied.
In essence, the sporting rules goal to manipulate these exams in order that they can’t present insights unrelated to their supposed objective. The key problem of those observe exams considerations the approximation of the load ranges of the 2026 vehicles. This worth is estimated utilizing vehicles that derive over 50% of their complete downforce from the ground. To this finish, in earlier exams, groups have adjusted the setup of their mule vehicles and elevated the usage of the drag discount system throughout laps, not simply within the conventional activation zones.
The purpose is to steadiness the load between the entrance and rear axles. Ferrari is getting ready to subject its two foremost drivers over the two-day take a look at, in addition to the motorsport division that competed for the Constructors’ Championship final season. The SF-24 has been suitably modified to “match” the brand new Pirelli tires. For the historic Italian staff, this will even be a chance to proceed acclimating Lewis Hamilton to strategies and dealing procedures totally different from these he mastered throughout his lengthy tenure with the Silver Arrows.
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