First Ferrari SF-23 images from Losail pitlane: rear-wing comparison | 2023 F1 Qatar GP. First Ferrari SF-23 images from Losail pitlane in view of 2023 F1 Qatar GP.

Formula One returns to Qatar after the debut race in 2021, with the race being absent from the calendar in 2022 due to the concurrent World Cup. The Losail circuit hosts ground effect cars for the first time, so there are no direct performance references. However, its characteristics could favor Ferrari and its pursuit of second place in the constructors’ championship. The SF-23 is comfortable on circuits without rapid direction changes, and the long 1.6km circuit could also highlight the qualities of the Maranello-made engine.

Losail is a demanding circuit for tires, and the extremely high expected temperatures will contribute to significant tire wear. In this regard, it will be an essential test for Ferrari to determine if the direction taken with the latest developments has genuinely contributed to solving one of the team’s main issues.

Despite the long straight, teams will likely choose a setup with medium to high downforce, necessary to tackle the 16 corners on the track, most of which are at medium and high speeds.

Thanks to the always punctual updates from the reporter Albert Fabrega, we can see the first images from the circuit and analyze the solutions that teams will try during the single hour of free practice. It’s worth noting that the Qatar GP features the Sprint format for the weekend.

Compared to 2021, all the structures in the paddock, including the boxes, have been demolished and rebuilt, and the circuit has been completely resurfaced. The double curbs that caused problems in the previous event have been removed.

October 5, 13:50 – Comparison of the rear wings of Ferrari, Mercedes, Alpine, and Red Bull. As always, the car designed by Adrian Newey uses the configuration with the highest downforce. The rear wings are the same as those used in Japan.

Ferrari
The front wing placed outside the pits is the same one used in the previous race in Suzuka, the latest developed by the Maranello technicians, capable of balancing the car when using a particularly loaded rear wing.

Alpine
The French team has adopted the design tested in Japan, initially only on Gasly’s car. The upper profile is highly contoured to direct flows correctly into the bottom inlet and away from the front tires.