Ferrari approaches Yas Marina within the worst attainable method. Spherical 24 of the 2024 Components 1 season sees Charles Leclerc sadly going through a hefty penalty. This refers back to the ten-place grid penalty issued by the FIA, because the mechanics of the historic Maranello workforce had been pressured to switch the battery pack on automobile quantity 16 in any case crucial checks. A major blow, because the Prancing Horse is battling McLaren for the Constructors’ Championship. Already a difficult process, this case considerably reduces the probabilities of turning issues round.
This morning, Arthur Leclerc additionally took to the observe. The Monegasque accomplished a clear session with out errors, working effectively underneath Riccardo Adami’s steerage. His older brother ran for lower than half an hour as a result of aforementioned Vitality Retailer problem. In that brief time, the SF-24 carried out decently, exhibiting good baseline steadiness, although some points actually wanted to be addressed.
Now let’s additionally have a look at how occasions unfolded for the 2 Ferrari drivers within the second free observe session for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The 2 Ferraris hit the observe 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 automobiles’ efficiency. After activating the tires, they proceed with a reconnaissance lap because the sundown regularly provides strategy to evening. A single cooldown lap follows, then the swap to Engine Mode 1 for max energy on the inner combustion engine. Between the 2 drivers, the Spaniard interprets the observe higher with a extra delicate strategy. The observe engineers present all crucial recommendations to enhance dealing with and handle the automobile.
After two cooling laps for the tires, they go full throttle once more. Carlos Sainz is pressured to abort attributable to heavy site 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 robust in Sector 1, the place Flip 5 seems higher managed by way of load switch. The work program continues to push the automobile’s limits. Charles pushes a bit too laborious and expresses concern concerning the flooring after hitting the curbs too aggressively, requesting a automobile examine.
The primary stint ends with each Ferraris trailing the McLarens of Norris and Piastri, who maintain fourth place. Summarizing the state of affairs, the rotation problem stays, although partially minimized in comparison with the morning’s run on the identical tires. A constructive be aware is the traction exiting Turns 5 and seven. Nevertheless, 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 automobiles to cowl additional distance. Directional modifications additionally require larger agility.
Within the second a part of the qualifying simulation, the swap is made to Pirelli tires with crimson sidewalls. Each Ferrari automobiles goal to finish the nice and cozy up course of as successfully as attainable to make sure optimum tire deformation and obtain most grip. This part is fastidiously managed, and so they proceed. Carlos Sainz goes out first however encounters some site visitors that prices him time. Charles Leclerc faces the identical problem. Total, grip ranges didn’t appear optimum. Two laps to chill the tires are adopted by one other push try.
Thankfully, Charles’ automobile has no harm to the ground. In the course of 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 robust 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 will probably be made to enhance efficiency.
Discussing this run, the tires struggled to achieve their goal temperature. Nevertheless, as soon as activated, the lead to Flip 5 was considerably higher, hitting the apex with out affected by oversteer on exit. Further work seems crucial for nook preparation, as demanding an excessive amount of from the entrance finish on this observe is proving uncompetitive. Within the closing a part of qualifying, round quarter-hour, the 2 Ferraris returned to the observe on Medium tires for a race tempo simulation.
With a excessive gas load, the Ferrari automobiles exhibit fewer drivability points. Partly attributable to diminished 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 easy. Nevertheless, the 2 MCL38s appear extra aggressive, although the gas hundreds on every automobile stay unknown. Lastly, a number of observations on what we’ve seen.
On single-lap efficiency, Ferrari has untapped potential. Advantageous-tuning is required, although. Concerning race tempo, changes to the setup appear essential to optimize efficiency, which continues to be not at McLaren’s stage. The same old simulator work in a single day will probably be essential for Ferrari, as it’ll assist implement the modifications wanted to extract most efficiency, which to date stays unrealized throughout at the moment’s two classes within the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
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