Ferrari changes strategy for last two testing days to make progress in a more linear fashion. Ferrari changes strategy for last two testing days to make progress in a more linear fashion.

The second day of test 2 at the Barcelona-Catalunya Circuit, in preparation for the start of the Formula 1 season, was not particularly productive for Scuderia Ferrari. The initial plan was for German driver Sebastian Vettel to run the SF90 in the morning and for Charles Leclerc to take over in the afternoon. However, an off-track caused by a mechanical problem just before midday, meant that no more running was substantially possible today. Given the comparatively trouble-free nature with which the Maranello team has conducted their test days so far, Ferrari could be considered to be overdue a problematic day, and their seemingly standard test day was brought to an abrupt halt.

Driver unhurt. Sebastian Vettel went out on track shortly after 9am and was trying the car in different configurations. Halfway through the morning, a mechanical problem with the front left corner on the SF90 saw Sebastian go off the track at Turn 3. The driver was unhurt but went to the medical centre for the usual checks. Up to that point, Sebastian had completed 40 laps, with a best time of 1’18”195.

Meticolous check. Once back in the garage, the team set about a meticulous check of the car to establish the cause of the crash. The analysis is still on course. Meanwhile the SF90 was repaired in time for Charles Leclerc to get out in the afternoon for an installation lap.

Still a positive feeling. “Clearly, we have not done as much running as we would have liked”, Sebastian told the press during the lunch break. “But I’d still say I’m getting a positive feeling from the car. Last week was definitely productive as we completed a lot of mileage and also yesterday, we were able to make up for the track time lost in the morning”. “As for the accident,” continued the German, “I was going into Turn 3 and I had a feeling there was an issue with the front left corner of the car and from then on, there was nothing I could do to avoid the impact. The good thing is I am totally fine and, by the end of the day, thanks to a great job from the mechanics, we even managed to get the car back on track.”

Charles in. Testing continues until the end of Friday and the team has decided to have its drivers do a complete day each at the wheel, so that the work can progress in a more linear fashion. Charles will drive tomorrow, before handing over to Sebastian for the final day.