Formula 1 pre-season test in 2017 had ended with the Ferrari out as "winners". This team is not only fast but also very resilient. Allegedly, this is one of the key success of the Ferrari team.
If seen comparison of four pictures mentioned above, Ferrari did make the breakthrough this season. They make the design of the chassis SF70H meticulously, where the holes sidepod (air channeling side) they are not blocked by anything.
Compare with Mercedes, Red Bull and Williams, as the four best teams during the preseason tests with Ferrari. Both Mercedes F1 W08, Red Bull RB13, and the Williams FW40 all have air ducts to side pod blocked by the arms of the front suspension.
Analysts F1 aerodynamics, including Giorgio Piola is a trusted observer from formula1.com website, believes that this is one of the strengths of Ferrari in the 2017 season air that goes into side pod can optimally cool the engine and gearbox.
The risk of such design is the air hole is made to be higher than usual. However, Ferrari is already anticipated by the design of additional wings around the side pod.
All of the wing was made to circulate the air coming from the front wing to be maximal so that the overall aerodynamics become very efficient. Catalunya is indeed aero circuit is the ideal place to test the package.
At the very least, Ferrari's innovation has made them very comfortable and quiet during the two tests at Catalunya, Spain, which ended on March 10.
Sebastian Vettel, even reportedly could make a faster time than what was created by Kimi Raikkonen, but prefers Vettel slowed down his car at the end of the circuit.
As a four-time world champion, Vettel certainly easier to make the time. Especially when he uses the softest tires (ultrasoft).
Kimi Raikkonen with Ferrari SF 70, recorded a best lap during the pre-season test, which is 1 minute 18.634. Records made the 2007 world champion to the last day of the test.
Lewis Hamilton even admitted that Ferrari is the favorites for this season, not Mercedes.
"I saw them still save more power than the results of this test," he said.
As if not to be lulled by the favorite status, Vettel remains that Mercedes is still the top teams. "Our car is better than last season, but Mercedes still be number one. Look at their race simulation, very nice," said Vettel.
The first series of the F1 Australian Grand Prix to be held on March 24 to 26 at the Melbourne Grand Prix Circuit, Albert Park, will answer whether Ferrari or Mercedes which became the best team this season.
FASTEST BIG FOUR
Ferrari 1: 18 634 (Kimi Raikkonen)
Mercedes 1: 19.310 (Valtteri Bottas)
Williams 1: 19.420 (Felipe Massa)
Red Bull 1: 19.438 (Max Verstappen)
Post a Comment