It’s not but time for relaxation following the Hungarian Grand Prix, as the main target now shifts to Belgium, the 14th spherical of the 2024 Formulation 1 championship. And sadly the state of affairs appears very difficult for Ferrari. The Maranello staff must attempt to optimize the setup of the SF-24 single-seater by way of a really troublesome compromise. As we all know, the working window of the Ferrari automobile may be very quick, and the Spa-Francorchamps circuit consists of very totally different sections. Because of this, it’s all the time sophisticated to discover a setup that may “cowl” your entire observe. One should subsequently determine during which route to go and which sections to deal with when attempting to realize lap time primarily based on the sturdy factors and the weaknesses of the automobile. The lap begins with a gradual downhill nook known as “Supply.”
That is adopted by an extended high-speed part, making the exit essential. Traction have to be maximized. Gaining on entry could possibly be penalizing within the interpretation of the primary sector. Ferrari may be very sturdy on entry, however we’ve got seen that it’s also able to optimizing the exit. Sluggish or medium-slow sections like this could not pose a significant drawback. The portion of the observe that follows is pushed flat out as much as Flip 5. In between, we discover the well-known Eau Rouge part, which within the qualifying session is tackled with the throttle totally open because the automobiles are very gentle on gas.
On this context, the suspension of an F1 automobile undergoes compression, and the ground lowers, minimizing floor clearance. Ferrari should restrict bouncing to make sure this ingredient doesn’t turn into penalizing and consequently doesn’t restrict velocity. The Prancing Horse should optimize this part and the final one, which are literally the quickest. Final yr, the Italian staff managed to discover a good compromise by utilizing a reasonably unloaded wing, the model which was additionally used on the Baku Metropolis Circuit within the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. For 2024, a selected wing launched on the Imola circuit with a low stage of downforce will most definitely be chosen.
For the present traits of the automobile, it’s advisable to maximise efficiency on the straights by way of a extra unloaded setup. Automobiles like Purple Bull and McLaren can as a substitute deal with constructing the lap within the central sector. Certainly, a number of high-speed, wide-radius corners are situated on this sector. Right here, Ferrari must attempt to comprise losses as soon as once more, considerably like final week in Hungary. The SF-24 has an endemic lack of rear load, and though it manages to discover a slightly clear steadiness in these corners, it’s not completely efficient.
A little bit of downforce may additionally be lacking because the rear will are typically unloaded, a side that might additional spotlight Ferrari’s varied limitations. Much less downforce on the rear desires to be compensated by the push generated from the ground. The Maranello engineers, subsequently, select to stiffen the suspension parts, aiming to attain essentially the most steady aerodynamic platform potential by decreasing the automobile. This transfer leads your entire F1 to work in an unfavorable configuration that limits the steadiness between quick and gradual corners. A giant drawback.
Ferrari thus reveals a sure tendency to oversteer in the midst of the nook, whereas dealing with on high-speed curbs shouldn’t be steady. The lowered floor-to-track floor distance can then set off bouncing, whose unfavorable impact have to be contained. Total, the dearth of effectivity will likely be felt, because the Maranello technicians won’t be able to load the rear wing a lot. This is the reason they may attempt to restrict losses within the second sector. It also needs to be famous that, on the whole, floor clearance will likely be raised, a side that’s not essentially a bonus for Ferrari.
Ferrari may certainly battle much more to seek out load derived from the ground. On the 7.004-kilometre Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, we’ll perceive if the current replace with the reshaping of the ground’s “kick” will likely be efficient or not. The updates have improved gradual corners, however vertical load technology in quick corners is penalized. The Hungary model of the ground ought to assure extra steady load and fewer sensitivity to peak variations. The third sector consists of a single straight resulting in the observe’s remaining chicane. Ferrari can get well one thing in braking if it manages to maximise prime speeds by avoiding clipping.
The final chicane may be very gradual the place traction will likely be essential. Taking a look at the climate circumstances for the Belgian Grand Prix weekend, we will say that cooler temperatures may inhibit Ferrari’s efficiency, as a result of they usually are likely to put much less vitality into the tire, struggling to take care of the proper working vary. Exactly because of this, on a number of events, we’ve got seen an SF-24 weak within the opening sector of a lap that loses itself in making ready the compound on cooler observe floor, consequently failing to entry the proper grip all through the lap.
Supply: FUnoanalisitecnica
Purchase official Ferrari F1 merchandise!
Let different Scuderia Followers learn about us
