Tuesday marked the commencement of testing for the Ferrari Formula 1 team, coinciding with similar trials being conducted by Pirelli in collaboration with Red Bull and Alpine. While the first two teams chose to remain at Monza following last week’s Italian Grand Prix, the Maranello team headed to the Fiorano track to gather valuable data and enhance the performance of the SF-23.
Development of non-tyre warmer reliant dry tires for 2025 continues at Monza, although the selection of the next tire supplier for 2025-2028 remains unconfirmed.
Initially, a decision was expected after the summer break, but it’s now anticipated to be announced at a later date as F1 requires more time for final deliberation. However, Liberty Media has confirmed they are in the final stages, with a decision slated for the end of the summer.
The two-day test, continuing today with Sergio Perez for Red Bull and Pierre Gasly for Alpine, was initially scheduled for early August at Spa-Francorchamps. Due to heavy rain, Pirelli decided to equip the Spa circuit with wet tires (full wet and intermediate). Despite this change, Pirelli viewed it as an opportunity to test their tires on a more demanding track than Fiorano and Paul Ricard, both typically chosen due to their artificial irrigation systems.
The dry tire testing at Monza, despite the F1 Commission’s delay in banning tire blankets, holds significance for Pirelli as it allows them to validate their simulation data. Yesterday, Sergio Perez completed 119 laps, setting the fastest time at 1:23.585, while Esteban Ocon completed 118 laps with the best time of 1:25.508.
In Fiorano, mainly focused on the development of wet and intermediate tires, testing is facilitated by the venue’s artificial irrigation system on Ferrari’s private track. Carlos Sainz took the wheel yesterday, initially completing a few laps with dry tires before shifting his focus to the wet program. Today, Charles Leclerc will take over.
The SF-23 was equipped with the high load package, which had presented challenges for the Italian team. This package includes a limited front end and rear wing, adversely affecting handling due to load and pressure discrepancies.
During these tests, teams are prohibited from evaluating aerodynamic innovations but can use various components that have been utilized throughout the season. Regarding setup, teams can select their initial setup and provide it to Pirelli, who must validate it. This process entails Pirelli assessing the setup’s usefulness for data collection based on various parameters. Once the testing commences, extensive setup changes are not permitted; adjustments are only allowed in cases where circuit conditions evolve significantly.
Ferrari’s choice to use high-load wing specifications in Fiorano is not coincidental, as the team plans to collect data from these 460 km of testing, equivalent to a Grand Prix and a half in distance. Charles Leclerc will be at the wheel on the second day.
However, it’s noteworthy that in wet conditions, the pitot tubes used to measure pressure at specific points on the car are blocked, as explained by F1 expert Rosario Giuliana for formu1a.uno.
The testing also involved a comparison of beam wings, coupled with the high-load rear wing, examining the most loaded biplane specification alongside one with a neutral upper element.
Furthermore, specialized wind tunnel tests are planned for this week to investigate and address the issue, utilizing data collected between the first free practice session session in the Netherlands and the ongoing Pirelli tests. Carlos Sainz secured the fastest lap with a time of 59.430 seconds.
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