Ferrari approaches Yas Marina within the worst potential means. Spherical 24 of the 2024 Method 1 season sees Charles Leclerc sadly dealing with a hefty penalty. This refers back to the ten-place grid penalty issued by the FIA, because the mechanics of the historic Maranello group had been pressured to exchange the battery pack on automotive quantity 16 in any case mandatory checks. A big blow, because the Prancing Horse is battling McLaren for the Constructors’ Championship. Already a difficult process, this case considerably reduces the possibilities of turning issues round.
This morning, Arthur Leclerc additionally took to the monitor. The Monegasque accomplished a clear session with out errors, working effectively below Riccardo Adami’s steering. His older brother ran for lower than half an hour as a result of aforementioned Power Retailer challenge. In that brief time, the SF-24 carried out decently, exhibiting good baseline stability, although some points definitely wanted to be addressed.
Now let’s additionally take a look at how occasions unfolded for the 2 Ferrari drivers within the second free follow session for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The 2 Ferraris hit the monitor and for this preliminary run, Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz used a set of Pirelli yellow-banded tires.
The setup validation continues to hunt fine-tuning and maximize the vehicles’ efficiency. After activating the tires, they proceed with a reconnaissance lap because the sundown progressively offers technique to night time. A single cooldown lap follows, then the swap to Engine Mode 1 for optimum energy on the inner combustion engine. Between the 2 drivers, the Spaniard interprets the monitor higher with a extra delicate strategy. The monitor engineers present all mandatory recommendations to enhance dealing with and handle the automotive.
After two cooling laps for the tires, they go full throttle once more. Carlos Sainz is pressured to abort as a result of heavy visitors, and so is his teammate. In consequence, Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz make one other try on the following lap. The Monegasque improves, however the Spaniard doesn’t. Charles Leclerc is especially sturdy in Sector 1, the place Flip 5 seems higher managed when it comes to load switch. The work program continues to push the automotive’s limits. Charles pushes a bit too exhausting and expresses concern in regards to the ground after hitting the curbs too aggressively, requesting a automobile test.
The primary stint ends with each Ferraris trailing the McLarens of Norris and Piastri, who maintain fourth place. Summarizing the state of affairs, the rotation challenge stays, although partially minimized in comparison with the morning’s run on the identical tires. A optimistic word is the traction exiting Turns 5 and seven. Nonetheless, the drivability of the SF-24 on the apex of a number of corners nonetheless wants enchancment, because the racing line tends to widen, forcing the vehicles to cowl additional distance. Directional modifications additionally require higher agility.
Within the second a part of the qualifying simulation, the swap is made to Pirelli tires with pink sidewalls. Each Ferrari vehicles intention to finish the nice and cozy up course of as successfully as potential to make sure optimum tire deformation and obtain most grip. This part is rigorously managed, and so they proceed. Carlos Sainz goes out first however encounters some visitors that prices him time. Charles Leclerc faces the identical challenge. Total, grip ranges didn’t appear optimum. Two laps to chill the tires are adopted by one other push try.
Happily, Charles’ automotive has no harm to the ground. Throughout the cooldown lap, Sainz stops within the pits for a tweak to the front-end load, whereas Leclerc opts to keep up the identical downforce configuration. Within the subsequent laps, the Ferraris make changes as wanted. Though the stability is sweet, exact dealing with is required to ship sturdy efficiency, which isn’t but on the desired stage. The Ferraris return to the storage, awaiting their ultimate run of the day. It appears suspension changes will probably be made to enhance efficiency.
Discussing this run, the tires struggled to succeed in their goal temperature. Nonetheless, as soon as activated, the end in Flip 5 was considerably higher, hitting the apex with out affected by oversteer on exit. Extra work seems mandatory for nook preparation, as demanding an excessive amount of from the entrance finish on this monitor is proving uncompetitive. Within the ultimate a part of qualifying, round quarter-hour, the 2 Ferraris returned to the monitor on Medium tires for a race tempo simulation.
With a excessive gas load, the Ferrari vehicles exhibit fewer drivability points. Partly as a result of lowered cornering speeds, the SF-24 turns into extra manageable, permitting the drivers to focus extra on their tempo. Evaluating to McLaren at this stage will not be easy. Nonetheless, the 2 MCL38s appear extra aggressive, although the gas masses on every automotive stay unknown. Lastly, a couple of observations on what we’ve seen.
On single-lap efficiency, Ferrari has untapped potential. Wonderful-tuning is required, although. Relating to race tempo, changes to the setup appear essential to optimize efficiency, which remains to be not at McLaren’s stage. The standard simulator work in a single day will probably be essential for Ferrari, as it’s going to assist implement the modifications wanted to extract most efficiency, which to this point stays unrealized throughout right now’s two periods within the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
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