Barcelona winter testing thread

I've enjoyed a good cup but its in no shape, way or form a coffee substitute.

 

I guess who ever posted the video got the "pwned" from the crowd cheering the Ferrari mechanics

A statement Ron himself would be proud of

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cB3xZy2wi4]McMowers with camera - YouTube[/ame]

 

^^

Haha, nice catch!

 

Ferrari are bringing a slightly different exhaust configuration.

Lots of talk about Ferrari being quick over one lap but completely destroying tires over a stint. If F138 is indeed very hard on its rubber, I'm wondering if we're going to see a W03 type scenario for Ferrari, qualifies well but eats rubber.


There is also lots of word going around that Red Bull's qualifying pace has taken a hit due to not being able to use DRS everywhere (they could use it in plenty of areas others just couldn't).


Below listed is a logical analysis of cars/teams to date:

Formula 1 Analysis: Circuit de Catalunya (19/02/2013-22/02/2013) Test Analysis

 

Personally I think far too much is being made of the F138 and tires. My reasons:-
1) This long run (which I posted previously) by Felipe is awesome
2) Tire deg results were severely compromised by "tire tear" in the cold conditions
3) Until the team turns its attention to tire deg in terms of setup whatever results you see are irrelevant
4) No-one seems concerned about tire deg, the concerns seems to be whether we can get the aggressive exhaust setup tested enough to implement in Australia
5) Since hiring Hamashida we've been a leader in tire performance, so we have good skills and basics already in place

It's clear to me from the videos (admittedly limited) I've seen, that the F138 looks very solid on track and is fast and competitive. That's backed up by what we hear from the team.

 

Indeed that is a decent looking run, but that literally was Ferrari's only decent looking run. The laps started very slow in that run too which tells me Felipe was being very conscious regarding the tires. All other data where Ferrari exits the pits with fresh rubber then goes on a quick couple laps shows the tires falling to pieces.

 

The W03 qualified well? News to me.

 

You got me there! Good catch indeed!

"Hey, I'm just a fan and wanted a few pix for myself!"

Cheers,
Ian

 

First part of the season through Monaco yes

 

You only need one if you're on the case......

Cheers,
Ian

 

What I think that run by Felipe showed was that we do know how to setup and run with the tires. I just don't think it has been a priority for the team to date.

Also, as I mentioned, our tire deg was more "tire tear" than anything else. This will be worse because of the extra rubber on each tire - remember each tire is in fact heavier with extra rubber this year. Hence a lot more prone IMO to tire tear.

Lets wait and see how we are placed after we have focused some attention to setup for tire management - I think the landscape will change a little after we've seen those results.

 

As previously speculated, Pirelli reckon they'll all be just fine come Aus;

No need to panic!.......

Cheers,
Ian
Formula 1® - The Official F1® Website

 

In Pirelli we trust.

After all, they've earned it.

Right?

 

Indeed!

Giving the teams & the fans what they asked for!

Cheers,
Ian

 

Pirelli. The MacDonalds of F1.

How I miss the elitist days.

 

BBC Sport - Formula 1 testing: Teams prepare upgrades for crucial final test

Team by team look. Encouraging view of Ferrari!

 

Mclaren are bringing a new front wing.

Ferrari have exhaust updates.

Red Bull/Lotus maps are about to be banned, yet Lotus just stated today they fully expect Kimi to be fighting for the title. Their car looks quick and if I had to guess I would say the specials maps yield a couple tenths at best. Both their race paces will remain very competitive with or without.

Mercedes, not sure what they're bringing, Brawn simply stated they're bringing updates and we know several updates are already in the works as they were signed off at Jerez.


And the tension builds.....

 

Testing live on SKYSports-F1 today. Not sure if anyone has links to a web viewing site.

 

Not really. It will be a repeat of last year

 

Massa doing a good job today in the wet. Afternoon should be worse weather though.

 

Have hope, don't say that!


It sounds like Kimi has an honest shot at the title if the car is as good as they are saying, and if Mclaren irons out the kinks we should see an impressive showing for them as well. Ferrari will win races too, and I believe Ferrari will qualify better than the Red Bull.

 

No one really testing any updates yet, I suppose it doesn't make sense in the wet.


W04 tidied up the area around the suspension a bit. That's all I've seen from anyone so far.
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I also believe Lotus have a shot at the WCC if Grosjean controls himself this season. That Lotus looks very good, they simply need to prove their development to really have a shot at it.



Mclaren/Sergio are looking dangerous in the wet! Very fast

 

While we have only the scraps and hints gleaned from testing its natural to speculate I don't think that we'll know anything substantive until race weekend.
I live in hope.