It’s Ferrari once more in F1 for the third weekend in a row. Though the eagerness 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 aren’t any updates for the SF-24, not like McLaren, which brings a brand new entrance wing. Ferrari has no updates, nevertheless it’s assured it could actually compete on the prime in Brazil.
Spherical 21 of the premier motorsport sequence takes place at Interlagos, a difficult circuit on account of its distinctive format. The observe contains a number of tight turns in Sector 2, the place braking have to be managed whereas steering, together with quicker bends, high-speed sections, and assorted elevations. The climate seems to be good, although the occasion has typically seen sudden storms. Ferrari expects its automobile to carry out effectively right here, because it has confirmed aggressive on all forms of circuits.
Immediately’s problem might be intriguing, as groups not solely deal with outright efficiency with qualifying laps but in addition analyze conduct with a excessive gas load. This observe has noticeable tire degradation, so F1 groups might want to discover a setup that maximizes their vehicles’ potential. Ferrari struggled on this space in 2023, so it has fastidiously ready to keep away from repeating these points. The aim? Begin sturdy from the outset.
F1, Brazilian GP 2024: Ferrari bumpy, missing uniform downforce
Let’s have a look at climate and observe situations: 26.4°C air temperature, 53.4°C observe temperature, 52% humidity, with a 1.2 km/h southwesterly wind. Within the storage, every little thing is ready. Each “Carlos” are within the two SF-24s, awaiting the mechanics’ inexperienced mild to go away the pit lane. Roughly two minutes into the session, each Ferraris hit the Brazilian observe for the primary time this weekend on a set of yellow-banded Pirelli tires.
This compound permits the group to check the vehicles’ conduct with a sure degree 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 by his lap, feeling the tires weren’t totally warmed up. In distinction, Sainz completes his lap, however radios in to notice low grip on the observe and that the automobile feels fairly bumpy.
The Italian group is taking a cautious strategy, as it could actually’t afford any errors. On the second try, preliminary impressions aren’t nice. The group is assessing if the journey top changes are right. Early on, dealing with is imperfect, with an excessive amount of rear slip. Curves 1 and 10 are the primary losses up to now, with Leclerc shedding four-tenths in complete in comparison with Perez’s greatest time. After just a few cooling laps, they improve the ICE energy output.
Charles needed to elevate his foot on his third try, additionally making a -4 adjustment on the entrance wing to stability downforce. Sainz is extra exact at this stage and avoids site visitors, although he makes a mistake in Flip 12, going off observe limits. He, too, lowers entrance downforce, “minus 2,” earlier than returning to the observe. Although Charles began sturdy, he lifts once more whereas Sainz pushes. Each full laps however aren’t happy with their efficiency.
Leclerc says his lap was horrible. Total, 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 presently lacking.
F1, Brazilian GP 2024: Ferrari restricted by journey top doesn’t extract most efficiency
After a ten-minute break, each Ferrari vehicles return to the observe. They’re nonetheless on the identical used Medium tires. Mechanics have possible made suspension changes to handle instability. Charles Leclerc places in a extra constant time, and the automobile appears barely extra steady. Carlos Sainz, nevertheless, continues to battle. 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 gas, the automobile’s driveability appears improved, and the annoying corrections now not seem. It’s exhausting to inform for certain in just some laps, particularly since we don’t know different groups’ gas masses. 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 Mushy tires for one more qualifying simulation, benefiting from the added grip of the red-banded compound.
Midway by his first try, Charles lifts on account of an error coming into Sector 2. He says grip is suboptimal, making it exhausting to handle the automobile. After a cooling lap, he pushes once more and completes his lap, however isn’t happy. 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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