Robert Kubica has tempered expectations relating to the efficiency of the Ferrari 499P after the 24 Hours of Le Mans take a look at day held final Sunday, expressing considerations in regards to the automotive’s “raceability” on account of its comparatively low energy output above 250 km/h in comparison with different Hypercars.
The skilled Polish driver, who beforehand competed in Components 1, set the quickest time through the morning session of the take a look at day and adopted with the third-fastest lap within the afternoon. Regardless of his sturdy efficiency, Kubica completed 0.656 seconds behind the quickest benchmark set by Toyota’s Brendon Hartley.
Ferrari’s prime contender on the take a look at was the manufacturing unit No. 51 automotive, pushed by James Calado, who clocked the second-best time within the afternoon session, trailing the No. 8 Toyota by 0.531 seconds.
Traditionally, the Ferrari 499P has been famous for its straight-line velocity, contributing to victories within the final two editions of the Le Mans 24 Hours. Nevertheless, this yr’s Steadiness of Efficiency (BoP) changes have launched a broader unfold of Energy Achieve values throughout all Hypercars.
Whereas Ferrari improved energy output below 250 km/h in comparison with final yr, the 499P now registers the bottom energy determine above this threshold, producing 500.1 kW, roughly 20 kW lower than probably the most highly effective Hypercar, the BMW M Hybrid V8.
Kubica acknowledged the intentions of the rule-makers to equalize prime speeds however admitted that Ferrari’s relative lack of energy over 250 km/h might current difficulties throughout race circumstances. He identified that pure prime velocity numbers don’t inform the complete story, as the best way the automotive reaches that velocity considerably impacts efficiency.
He defined that though some vehicles have larger drag, they’ll attain their prime velocity faster, the place uncooked energy is important, however effectivity additionally performs an important function. Kubica famous that Ferrari is the weakest in energy above 250 km/h, which can not favor them in racing, though the ACO goals to keep up aggressive parity.
Robert Kubica additionally highlighted the significance of discovering the correct stability between energy and effectivity to optimize the automotive’s efficiency, emphasizing that equality amongst opponents won’t ever be actual.
Concerning his tempo through the take a look at day, the Polish racing driver expressed satisfaction with the habits of the No. 83 Ferrari however talked about that the cool and overcast climate circumstances throughout testing may not replicate what will likely be skilled throughout race week.
The AF Corse driver steered that whereas the automotive felt good below these circumstances, translating that into race efficiency stays unsure. Robert Kubica famous that rising temperatures might considerably impression the automotive, notably with rear tire degradation, primarily based on final yr’s expertise.
However, he said that Ferrari has improved the automotive and gained a greater understanding of its habits, making it an fascinating problem to see how the 499P will carry out below hotter circumstances.
When requested in regards to the competitors heading into the official observe periods, Robert Kubica predicted that LMDh producers akin to BMW, Cadillac, Alpine, and Porsche would pose a better problem than final yr’s extra simple duel between Ferrari and Toyota. He noticed that the competitors seems tighter this season, with no less than 5 or 6 producers prone to be very aggressive, particularly in shorter stints.
Robert Kubica defined that efficiency will range over the 24-hour race relying on circumstances and race phases. He famous that the LMDh vehicles have made important progress since final yr, with BMW notably enhancing its consistency over a full race distance.
The AF Corse driver additionally expects Cadillac to be aggressive, citing their sturdy exhibiting in Qatar, together with Alpine, which he considers to have excessive potential, and naturally, Porsche, rounding out a powerful discipline of no less than six producers prone to contend for podium finishes.
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