Scuderia Ferrari’s eye-catching start in the first 2022 Formula 1 pre-season testing session which took place at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona was not entirely unexpected but still created cause for concern among its Formula 1 opponents as well as some sorely needed hope and optimism for the Ferrari fans. But while certain rules played in its favour, the Maranello team will be aware of the fact that any early advantage as compared to Mercedes and Red Bull may be deceiving.
One key objective in the first testing seesion was for Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz to continue to familiarise themselves with the new car, while also carefully gathering as much data as possible for the new 18 inch tyres introduced this season by Pirelli.
During the three-day test in Barcelona, one very important quality could be noticed by experts who got the chance to view the action from close to the track. We are talking about entering the corners, a positive element found in the various types of corners that make up the very technical layout of the Catalan track. Just as, observing the F1-75 closely, one could notice the “depth” in braking which emerged in the straight line leading to the Caixa.
In this area of the track, Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz were late in braking and then managed to easily take the apex of the corner. Situation that was easily repeated on each lap, even during the high fuel simulations despite the degradation of the tires.
Keeping in mind the above considerations, one further interesting aspect concerns the use of the engine. By meticulously “listening” meticulously to the sound produced by the Italian engine, therefore, it was easy to see how rarely the revs of the Italian V6 were pushed. It happened only in certain areas of the track in order not to set a real lap time and therefore give the opposition a true point of reference. Same thing considering the charging mechanism related to the hybrid system, much more efficient than the one from last season.
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According to some information reported by FormulaUnoAnalisiTecnica, the particular layout of the cooling system seems to be a strength of the F1-75 car. As well as the performance of some components related to the engine already tested during the last rounds of the 2021 championship. Another positive result of the three days in Catalonia can be attributed to the reliability which the cars has shown to possess. A decisive element with a completely new regulation environment.
So much so that the drivers were able to accumulate an excellent number of km which served to increase the driving feeling with the 18-inch tyres, another of the unknowns that Ferrari feared in the factory. FormulaUnoAnalisiTecnica also understands that Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc’s feeling is the development of the new car is going in the right direction. Also in regards to understanding of the tires that have not seem to suffer even on the long runs.
In line with the comments made during the winter, Ferrari has chosen to avoid proclamations and triumphalism. It is certain that a some optimism is emerging from the men in red, but this does not mean that the primary objective is the battle for the 2022 Formula 1 world title. The intention of the Maranello team is to improve progressively and to return to fight consistently for the top. And this F1-75 car, therefore, seems to be the right weapon to start this journey.
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