Why are the test drivers so fast on Friday?

Again the test drivers (Davidson, Zonta) were faster in Friday's practice in Canada. I've noticed this before. Why is that?

Do the test drivers have this session to just go out flat with an empty tank to make a name for themselves? I don't get it.

 

No, they don't have empty tanks. They are doing work for the teams. Helping on set up and making the choice of tyre for the race drivers. However, I think there are a couple of reasons:

Firstly, they don't have to worry about conserving their cars and especially the engines. That means they can get it more laps as well as use more revs. They also have more tyres to play with.

Secondly, it is their big chance to make names for themselves and stake a claim for a race drive next year. That must be particularly so with Davidson who has a damn good car (the BAR) under him and the sniff of a place at Williams next year.

 

Yeah, I'd assume that engine power has a lot to do with it. You think they could be revving up to 500 more rpm?

 

Thanks. Good point. That makes sense.

PS: It will be interesting to see whether Pantano resolves his issue or whether Glock gets his first drive (I doubt it).

 

I think in BAR and Toyota's cases, they are also carrying testing programs for future engine parts and aero-package.

One thing just dawned on me, if the current team situation continues throughout the season, does that mean McLaren will be able to run a third car next season? Also, how many here feels that the third car/driver rule should be applied based on race to race bases (Sort of like the wt-penalty in touring cars) or at least on a quarterly bases during the season? for example, as of now, team McLaren could use a third car a lot more than BAR.

 

The third car rule will probably be chucked out for next season. McLaren would be unstopable if they had a thrid car for testing. The testing of the third car does help significantly in development, but it is still a cost burden. And we know how much Jordan, Minardi and the rest of the group are hell bound to reduce costs. So the third car rule is going to be the first to go, even though it gives the team a significant advantage in testing.

 

If that were the case, I'd say give 'em 2 more cars! And I bet Bernie would throw in a few millions to cover some of the costs. Would be fantastic to finally see somebody challenge Ferrari.

But Mc Laren couldn't be helped with any number of cars. I think actually they're currently loosing themselves in the parallel development of two cars.

Haugg admitted this week, that the engine is just as bad as the chassis. No hope for the silver team.

 

Well I meant for next season. I think they will bounce back stronger than ever next season. Sometimes for things to start turning around and actually becoming successful, things must hit rock bottom first. They are pretty much at rock bottome this season. Giving them a 3rd car for testing next season would be a huge advantage in my opinion. It will not happen anyway.

 

Ah, ok, I agree.

I just hope they bounce back. I was expecting them this year to, but no. What an incredible shame for Mercedes and for Mc Laren with their new impressario HQ. But never count your enemies out, they will rebound.

 

oh yes for sure. I would have loved to see Kimi battle MS. I was looking forward to that. To me I think Kimi is the apprent succesor to Schumacher. It would have been so good to see Schumacher fight the young Fin for a 7th title or may be lose it to the possibly youngest F1 world champion ever (Kimi if he would win the WC this year). But sadly Mclaren Merceded could not rise up to the challenge and have failed Kimi and DC miserably.

 

The third car is a nice idea, the only people who should not have them are those from the first 4 teams in the constructors championship, from the current season.

 

I just read an interview with Ferrari's engine guy (can't think of his name). He said that with the engine and testing rules this year, they do NOT have two engine specs in case there is a failure in practice or qualifying. In other words a low mileage high reving high hp motor. However, he said they would have "options" with a fresh motor, such as higher rpm's - since it does not have to live as long.

Maybe these teams are thrashing the motors to find the limits?

The engine management systems on these things just amaze me. I'm sure all you guys have heard the Asiatech motor playing "When the Saints go Marching in"? Unbelievable!

Jim

 

You guys have missed the point of the third car.

If you opt for the third car then you HAVE to take a large testing ban through out the year. Thus the idea is to save cost.

There is no way any top team would play those cames because any limit to their testing simply means slower development.

Thus McLaren can't have a third car and also it would not help them recover and advance up the grid again, it would mean LESS testing and LESS development and McLaren would end up stuffing around with the pretenders like Jordan and Minardi.

You cannot have both, third car + Friday testing and then a large test program outside of the race weekends.

Pete

 

Haha.

Where can I find a video or sound clip of that?

 

Yeah but do you think you can really monitor McLaren who have so many resources with the new HQ that they can test inside the factory and do car development without having to on o a public track...

This is a moot discussion. The rule will not exist next season.

 

Me not understandy ... I thought they had been able to simulate everything for years?

Pete

 

Yes exactly, so Mclaren can have a thrid car on the race weekend for testing and develop the car through simulation in the factory without having to go onto the track. They are rich. So they will not suffer in terms of car development from the rule that they cannot do regular testing if they have the 3rd car on race weekend.

 

Andreas,

Looks like Glock will be driving the #19 this weekend. HMMMMMM i wonder if i can offer my driving services to Eddie Jordan for the USGP???

Rob "The other Rob" Guess

 

We'll find out in a couple of hours. It doesn't look good for Pantano I'd say. But then again it doesn't really matter, does it?

Yeah, if you find enough $$$ Eddie will sign you. Once you get your superlicense (that might be a bit trickier).