That’s true. And to be fair to him, 0.442 is plenty close enough to conclude that he has overcome any physical concerns. Now he just needs to unleash the old Kubica racer we all remember. I hope he makes it.
We don't know the exact nature of the Williams test today in terms of set-up, fuel loads, etc. As we concluded yesterday, the most important thing for Robert is the show of endurance, which he has done.
Given the fact that Stroller has driven the car whole year and been etsting every weekend, if Robert is faster with just 2 outings on the car, he willl be a full second ahead by the end of winter testing, no doubt about it....
I don't disagree but it's the new reality. I had a pointed conversation with the various engineers about the halo because we will probably be tasked with developing something for them and it quickly became clear they're more than an experiment: they are putting a lot of effort and resources into the halos. They are starting to design chassis with the halo in mind to handle the impact loads and disperse them properly. They have not found an effective way to close the cockpit so the halo is the next best way to accomplish that.
That's true, but we don't like the current engines and they aren't changing any time soon either. I think the real test will be when the lights go out in Melbourne next year and the first crashes happen. If Halo proves ineffective or causes unforeseen safety issues, it will be gone. If it works, it will stay. The fans opinions based on looks will be irrelevant - unfortunately...
Mclaren ran two cars on both days hence the number of laps is so high. Final Image Unavailable, Please Login
Is the halo itself supplied by an FIA directed supplier or are the teams developing their own halo structures (not the chassis mounting) against the prescribed specifications of the test? McLaren was already running aero fairings on the halo in the Abu Dhabi test, which I assume wouldn't be possible if the teams weren't manufacturing the halo's themselves. Some teams with taller drivers are already anticipating being over the (increased) weight limit.
