Formula 1 technical expert Mark Hughes, in a recent article for motorsportmagazine.com, reflects on data and information gathered from the first pre-season testing session at the Circuit de Catalunya, with two days until the next test in Barcelona:
“Ferrari? Like a student taking re-sits after not enough revision first time around, it was being super-diligent in mapping every single facet of its aerodynamics all week. The feeling now is that its fast times here last year were due to them being just about the only team generating good front tyre temperature in the very cool conditions, thereby disguising the aerodynamic shortfall of the front end, revealed very clearly at Melbourne and for most of the remainder of the season.” – Mark Hughes wrote, in his analysis of the Maranello team’s times and programme.
“Conducting this homework, there was no serious assault on a quick lap time as the team ran its engine in a power mode that would cost an estimated one second of lap time – even compared to the same units in the Alfa Romeo and Haas cars. Subtract that 1s and the SF1000 would actually be vying with the Red Bull as the second-fastest car – and this was followed up by a very quick race stint on Friday by Sebastian Vettel that in no way tallied with the single lap pace displayed. A properly representative fast lap from Ferrari this week would give further hope for the season ahead. But there is one team in particular which will be hoping that both Red Bull and Ferrari are in genuine bother.” – Mark Hughes concluded.
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