With just one free apply session out there throughout a Dash weekend, such a robust displaying in Qatar appeared unlikely. However, Ferrari took a daring step by bringing again the experimental ground first launched in Las Vegas. After its preliminary use within the U.S., the place it was primarily used for knowledge assortment, the ground made its return on Charles Leclerc’s automotive in Losail. Right here’s what the telemetry evaluation reveals when evaluating Ferrari’s previous and new flooring throughout the quickest laps in Qatar FP1.
In 2024, Ferrari launched a number of iterations of the SF-24’s ground. Following the debut’s baseline model, an replace was rolled out in Barcelona, which negatively impacted the efficiency of each Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz. That model later developed into the Monza ground, designed with a forward-looking strategy towards 2025. The Qatar model, beforehand seen in Las Vegas, represents not simply an evolution however a revolution of its predecessor.
Important modifications have been made, particularly to the ground’s edges, basically altering the habits of this essential aerodynamic element. These modifications drastically improved airflow administration underneath the automotive. Primarily based on onboard footage and telemetry knowledge, the brand new ground delivered features even in slower corners (Flip 6), regardless of a stiffer setup aimed toward enhancing efficiency via high-speed sections.
Supply: fingenerale
Supply: fingenerale
The comparability within the 7-8-9 sequence, regardless of these being long-radius corners, is especially promising. Whereas Carlos Sainz needed to raise barely between Turns 8 and 9, Charles Leclerc stored the throttle absolutely open with out dropping grip, as proven by the acceleration graph. Charles Leclerc’s inputs have been a lot cleaner, sustaining 100% throttle all through.
An much more spectacular end result for the brand new ground is obvious within the horseshoe part (Turns 12-13-14). Final 12 months, Ferrari was pressured to raise off considerably, dropping mid-corner velocity. Whereas the Monza ground on Carlos Sainz’s automotive represents a big enchancment, the Spaniard nonetheless needed to raise barely to keep up turn-in stability.
Supply: fingenerale
Supply: fingenerale
Charles Leclerc, nonetheless, managed to take the primary a part of the sequence flat out, confirmed by acceleration knowledge displaying no velocity loss. The important thing distinction got here within the cornering section, the place Charles Leclerc maintained a mean velocity 10 km/h larger than his teammate.
Now Ferrari faces a vital resolution: proceed utilizing the brand new ground for the rest of the weekend or reserve it for additional refinement forward of 2025. Whatever the selection, the primary product from the brand new wind tunnel has exceeded expectations. Furthermore, it has addressed a essential weak point of the SF-24: warming up the entrance tires. That is particularly vital at Losail, a circuit recognized for being front-limited.
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