Marc Genè has spoken about the initial sensations provided by the simulator for the new 2024 Ferrari, which will be unveiled online on February 13th at Fiorano.
With just two weeks left until the launch of the new red car, the 676 project must redeem a bittersweet 2023 for the Prancing Horse, concluding on an upward trajectory but still unsatisfactory, considering the expectations at the beginning of the Formula 1 season.
This year, there will be no excuses: the SF-24 (the possible chosen name for the car) must perform well from the start to avoid having to chase the competition from the first race, with Mercedes and McLaren also eager to dethrone Red Bull from the throne.
Very different sensations compared to the SF23
“Optimism? All we can say is what the simulator tells us and the drivers’ feelings in the simulator,” stated the former driver, now an ambassador for the Maranello team, in an interview with Mundo Deportivo.
“The track, in any case, is what matters and is the final judge. But it is true that last year at this point, we were not entirely convinced by the car based on what the simulator was telling us. This year the feelings are very different.”
However, Marc Genè prefers not to make grand pronouncements and waits for the first shakedown to draw initial conclusions: “We still have to wait to see the car on the track, which will happen on February 13, and then the pre-season tests in Bahrain.”
As already extensively previewed by Frederic Vasseur, Ferrari will compete in 2024 with a significantly revised car compared to 2023, aiming to overcome the limitations of the previous project that plagued much of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz’s season.
However, challenging Red Bull for the title will still be difficult, and Genè is well aware of this: “It’s tough because Red Bull had a significant margin last year, and they say this year’s car is much better. They are the favorites, obviously. Fighting with them for the championship is a bit optimistic, but making further progress and being able to fight more consistently with them, yes.”
After a winter of rumors, leaks, and hopes, all that’s left is to await the first verdict from the track, with Ferrari set to unveil the SF-24 in the first filming day at Fiorano in two weeks, followed by flying to Bahrain for the three-day test ahead of the championship.
