Ferrari approaches Yas Marina within the worst attainable manner. Spherical 24 of the 2024 Method 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 group have been compelled to switch the battery pack on automotive quantity 16 in spite of everything needed checks. A big blow, because the Prancing Horse is battling McLaren for the Constructors’ Championship. Already a difficult job, 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 because of the aforementioned Vitality Retailer subject. In that brief time, the SF-24 carried out decently, displaying 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 vehicles’ efficiency. After activating the tires, they proceed with a reconnaissance lap because the sundown steadily provides technique to evening. A single cooldown lap follows, then the change to Engine Mode 1 for max energy on the interior combustion engine. Between the 2 drivers, the Spaniard interprets the observe higher with a extra delicate method. The observe engineers present all needed options to enhance dealing with and handle the automotive.
After two cooling laps for the tires, they go full throttle once more. Carlos Sainz is compelled to abort resulting from heavy site visitors, and so is his teammate. Because of this, 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 when it comes to load switch. The work program continues to push the automotive’s limits. Charles pushes a bit too exhausting and expresses concern concerning the ground after hitting the curbs too aggressively, requesting a automobile test.
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 subject stays, although partially minimized in comparison with the morning’s run on the identical tires. A optimistic notice 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 further distance. Directional adjustments additionally require higher 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 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 subject. General, grip ranges didn’t appear optimum. Two laps to chill the tires are adopted by one other push try.
Luckily, Charles’ automotive 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 sweet, 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 last run of the day. It appears suspension changes might be made to enhance efficiency.
Discussing this run, the tires struggled to achieve their goal temperature. Nonetheless, as soon as activated, the end in Flip 5 was considerably higher, hitting the apex with out affected by oversteer on exit. Extra work seems needed for nook preparation, as demanding an excessive amount of from the entrance finish on this observe is proving uncompetitive. Within the last 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 vehicles exhibit fewer drivability points. Partly resulting from 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 will not be simple. Nonetheless, the 2 MCL38s appear extra aggressive, although the gas hundreds on every automotive stay unknown. Lastly, just a few observations on what we now have seen.
On single-lap efficiency, Ferrari has untapped potential. High quality-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 standard simulator work in a single day might be essential for Ferrari, as it is going to assist implement the adjustments wanted to extract most efficiency, which thus far stays unrealized throughout in the present day’s two classes within the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
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