Robert Kubica has tempered expectations relating to the efficiency of the Ferrari 499P after the 24 Hours of Le Mans check day held final Sunday, expressing issues concerning the automotive’s “raceability” because of its comparatively low energy output above 250 km/h in comparison with different Hypercars.
The skilled Polish driver, who beforehand competed in Components 1, set the quickest time in the course of the morning session of the check day and adopted with the third-fastest lap within the afternoon. Regardless of his robust efficiency, Kubica completed 0.656 seconds behind the quickest benchmark set by Toyota’s Brendon Hartley.
Ferrari’s prime contender on the check was the manufacturing facility No. 51 automotive, pushed by James Calado, who clocked the second-best time within the afternoon session, trailing the No. 8 Toyota by 0.531 seconds.
Traditionally, the Ferrari 499P has been famous for its straight-line pace, contributing to victories within the final two editions of the Le Mans 24 Hours. Nevertheless, this yr’s Stability of Efficiency (BoP) changes have launched a broader unfold of Energy Achieve values throughout all Hypercars.
Whereas Ferrari improved energy output underneath 250 km/h in comparison with final yr, the 499P now registers the bottom energy determine above this threshold, producing 500.1 kW, roughly 20 kW lower than essentially the most highly effective Hypercar, the BMW M Hybrid V8.
Kubica acknowledged the intentions of the rule-makers to equalize prime speeds however admitted that Ferrari’s relative lack of energy over 250 km/h might current difficulties throughout race situations. He identified that pure prime pace numbers don’t inform the total story, as the best way the automotive reaches that pace considerably impacts efficiency.
He defined that though some vehicles have increased drag, they will attain their prime pace faster, the place uncooked energy is important, however effectivity additionally performs an important position. Kubica famous that Ferrari is the weakest in energy above 250 km/h, which can not favor them in racing, though the ACO goals to keep up aggressive parity.
Robert Kubica additionally highlighted the significance of discovering the fitting steadiness between energy and effectivity to optimize the automotive’s efficiency, emphasizing that equality amongst opponents won’t ever be actual.
Concerning his tempo in the course of the check day, the Polish racing driver expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the No. 83 Ferrari however talked about that the cool and overcast climate situations throughout testing won’t mirror what shall be skilled throughout race week.
The AF Corse driver advised that whereas the automotive felt good underneath these situations, translating that into race efficiency stays unsure. Robert Kubica famous that rising temperatures might considerably affect the automotive, significantly with rear tire degradation, based mostly on final yr’s expertise.
Nonetheless, he said that Ferrari has improved the automotive and gained a greater understanding of its conduct, making it an fascinating problem to see how the 499P will carry out underneath hotter situations.
When requested concerning the competitors heading into the official apply classes, Robert Kubica predicted that LMDh producers similar to BMW, Cadillac, Alpine, and Porsche would pose a better problem than final yr’s extra easy duel between Ferrari and Toyota. He noticed that the competitors seems tighter this season, with no less than 5 – 6 producers prone to be very aggressive, particularly in shorter stints.
Robert Kubica defined that efficiency will fluctuate over the 24-hour race relying on situations and race phases. He famous that the LMDh vehicles have made vital progress since final yr, with BMW notably enhancing its consistency over a full race distance.
The AF Corse driver additionally expects Cadillac to be aggressive, citing their robust exhibiting in Qatar, together with Alpine, which he considers to have excessive potential, and naturally, Porsche, rounding out a robust discipline of no less than six producers prone to contend for podium finishes.
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