Second Barcelona Test 1st-4th Mar 2012 - news and pics

[scuderiafan]

classic Luca Collajani. guys calm down. used tyres would make a massive difference, as they would be a lot closer to the cliff.
i'm happy with what Pat Fry has said. lots of laps, and he doesnt seem like the car is a dog.

some just seem to want to believe the car is crap , and make the news fit around that, especially the media.

[PURE PASSION]

http://www1.skysports.com/formula-1/news/12433/7560474/

I thought that we also supposed to have a "new" car in the last 2 days!!!!Now it's only a few parts???

[f300v10]

Clearly things did not work as expected with the initial exhaust design, as many of us here have discussed. Fry basically confirming they won't use the 'blow the brake duct' design until it is further developed:

"Fry did not hide the difficult task the team faced in developing the car. “We started off with an exhaust system configuration that was particularly aggressive, but after last week’s test, it was clear this solution still required a lot of development before it could be used in a race. We opted for a more conventional configuration. Obviously, having developed the car to suit this innovative exhaust concept, now we must re-optimise everything in just the few days left before Australia. There aren’t major differences between the two systems in terms of performance, but we really need to analyse everything in detail.”

The question is how much re-working of the side pods we will see due to the exhaust position change. I would think they really need to get some running with any changes they plan to use before the first race.

[M.K]

http://www1.skysports.com/formula-1/news/12433/7560474/

http://www.planetf1.com/driver/18227...some-new-bits-

[NanoTheQuickest]

http://www1.skysports.com/formula-1/news/12433/7560474/

At RB racing we're so blase we fly out new cars for the sake of it... pfff. On a more serious tone I seriously hope we do have our act together because I have a bad feeling about the RB bunch!

[NanoTheQuickest]

http://www.planetf1.com/driver/18227...some-new-bits-

God these rumors/speculations/PR BS really do my head in now... I really cant wait for OZ weekend to begin!

[Curbs]

Wow, things are really hotting up on the Ferrari twittersite...

[FerrariF60]

http://www1.skysports.com/formula-1/news/12433/7560474/

i didn't like this last part in this article:

"I think Lotus are looking like they're the third-fastest team at the moment, then Mercedes, and then potentially Ferrari only the fifth fastest as we go into Melbourne."

....so hopefully it's just speculation, because what do they all know?? it's only testing, can't really know who's doing what at that particular moment, fuel loads, etc....

i'd just laugh if we show up in OZ being THE fastest...one hopeless Ferrari fan can only hope....

[Rob]

Fry: “A lot of work ahead of us”3.2.2012

Montmelo, 2 March – Over a thousand kilometres in two days. As far as reliability is concerned, the final test prior to setting off for Australia, has got off on the right foot for Scuderia Ferrari, with the F2012 going over the 100 lap mark on the opening two days. Felipe Massa did 105 laps yesterday and Fernando Alonso added a further 125 today. The Spaniard also managed to complete a Grand Prix simulation, including pit stops.

“We ran a mix of used Softs and Mediums for the simulation and now we must analyse the data in detail to understand where we are compared to the others,” said Technical Director Pat Fry, when he met journalists at the end of today’s session. “Initial impressions suggest the difference between one stint and another can be put down to the normal difference between tyres that have done different mileages: some show significant degradation, others less.”

A few aerodynamic updates, mainly to the front wing, were evaluated over the course of the whole day, comparing them to previous versions. “There will be other new components coming on the car for the final two days and then we will try and put together the best from every configuration for the first race.”

Fry did not hide the difficult task the team faced in developing the car. “We started off with an exhaust system configuration that was particularly aggressive, but after last week’s test, it was clear this solution still required a lot of development before it could be used in a race. We opted for a more conventional configuration. Obviously, having developed the car to suit this innovative exhaust concept, now we must re-optimise everything in just the few days left before Australia. There aren’t major differences between the two systems in terms of performance, but we really need to analyse everything in detail.”

The Red’s TD did not shy away from an evaluation of the car’s performance level, with two days of testing remaining. “I think we can say we are in reasonable shape. Sure, you always try and be half a second quicker than everyone, knowing you are lapping constantly with 60 kilos of fuel on board. Clearly, we have a lot of work ahead of us, but all we can do is keep pushing on this front.”

http://www.ferrari.com/English/Formu...ead-of-us.aspx

[Rob]

[Nisko]

[scuderiafan]

A few aerodynamic updates, mainly to the front wing, were evaluated over the course of the whole day, comparing them to previous versions. “There will be other new components coming on the car for the final two days and then we will try and put together the best from every configuration for the first race.”

Fry did not hide the difficult task the team faced in developing the car. “We started off with an exhaust system configuration that was particularly aggressive, but after last week’s test, it was clear this solution still required a lot of development before it could be used in a race. We opted for a more conventional configuration. Obviously, having developed the car to suit this innovative exhaust concept, now we must re-optimise everything in just the few days left before Australia. There aren’t major differences between the two systems in terms of performance, but we really need to analyse everything in detail.”

The Red’s TD did not shy away from an evaluation of the car’s performance level, with two days of testing remaining. “I think we can say we are in reasonable shape. Sure, you always try and be half a second quicker than everyone, knowing you are lapping constantly with 60 kilos of fuel on board. Clearly, we have a lot of work ahead of us, but all we can do is keep pushing on this front.”

good stuff, but i hope it won't take too long to get those components up and running. don't seem to think he says we are in the ****, so i guess that is a positive.

[Massimo181]

I heard that Ted mentioned that RB had to get agreement from teams to get the new car out? They should all vito it as they are clearly fast enough in this one I suppose Burnie has something to do with it and the FIA?! Maybe if they vito it they will loose money!?! Also has the new car been crash tested?

[Crucial_Xtreme]

I heard that Ted mentioned that RB had to get agreement from teams to get the new car out? They should all vito it as they are clearly fast enough in this one I suppose Burnie has something to do with it and the FIA?! Maybe if they vito it they will loose money!?! Also has the new car been crash tested?

No the teams shouldn't veto anything. We may need their vote sometime soon. No point in not agreeing, the car will be ran in Melbourne regardless, plus it's better to get a look at what they have. But mainly because we could very well use their vote sometime soon.


On to the F2012:
I'm not worried about tyre degradation issues. We have Hamashima and he will most certainly get those issues sorted. I'm more concerned with the loss of balance suddenly & the lack of DF at the rear. Let's hope the teams updates for the weekend will give them the data they need so we can be prepared for Melbourne. :))

[Nisko]

[Nisko]

[Grillo]

I don't feel Fry is happy with the car. They said last week they had discovered the right path but it doesn't look like that.

Maybe it's time to think about a B plan, B-spec car or whatever we want to name it. Only 2 testing days left and I hope they make the right decision. I tend to agree with that article about Ferrari being 4th or 5th fastest car but it could be different in two weeks times.

[rsaca]

Don't know where you got this but this is awesome. I think we'll probably see much more different parts on Sunday.

[Agasthya]

Don't know where you got this but this is awesome. I think we'll probably see much more different parts on Sunday.

Images are broken. Can someone please repost?

[Ferrari2183]

In that Sky article Krvitz says that Ferrari bringing a new exhaust with only 2 days to go is a bit late in the game but he doesn't use that same logic with Red Bull.

[Kyss4k]

In that Sky article Krvitz says that Ferrari bringing a new exhaust with only 2 days to go is a bit late in the game but he doesn't use that same logic with Red Bull.

Bashing Ferrari is just super cool these days.

[gazoz]

Bashing Ferrari is just super cool these days.

of course its cool Ferrari sucks when they win they cheat when they bring new parts its too late but for everybody else RB there a perfectly good reason , i have been watching F1 for at least 31 years and Ferrari has always been on the sharp end of criticism may be a power thing jealousy not sure, maybe because when someone is popular at something they are under the microscope at all times , one thing i have learned to do is ignore the Bull ...T ,most people have no idea about F1 anyway

[Jose-Lorca Fan]

In that Sky article Krvitz says that Ferrari bringing a new exhaust with only 2 days to go is a bit late in the game but he doesn't use that same logic with Red Bull.

Yeah, he's a Muppet, always talks about Ferrari in a controversial and negative way. Thinks he knows more than he really does.

Anyways I think Ferrari have got a lot of work ahead, this car seems to be causing a lot of problems and headaches in terms of performance. I prey they can sort it out soon because i don't want to endure another year like the last. I'll always watch them though, through the hard and easy times.

Pat Fry is a good guy, seems to be honest in front of the media, just what i like. Lets hope he and his team are ready for the challenges ahead and get the problems sorted sooner rather than later. Yes people might question my negative tone, but hey everyone can't be optimistic every time can they?

FORZA FERRARI.

[Grillo]

In that Sky article Krvitz says that Ferrari bringing a new exhaust with only 2 days to go is a bit late in the game but he doesn't use that same logic with Red Bull.

If Ferrari have a new exhausts configuration ready to test it, it wouldn't be too late. I think he's guessing Ferrari don't have it ready. Red Bull do have it ready for tomorrow an their car seems to be set up and they understand its behavior.

[Ferrari2183]

If Ferrari have a new exhausts configuration ready to test it, it wouldn't be too late. I think he's guessing Ferrari don't have it ready. Red Bull do have it ready for tomorrow an their car seems to be set up and they understand its behavior.

This is what Kravitz said.

Ferrari as well have been bringing more performance to their car - they tested a new front wing on their last run this afternoon. But they've already brought new exhausts.

"So for Ferrari to be bringing a new exhaust layout at this point with only two testing days to go, is a little bit late in the game.

Pretty clear to me what he means

[gazoz]

This is what Kravitz said.



Pretty clear to me what he means

?? can you elaborate please

[Ferrari2183]

Meaning they've already brought new exhausts which Alonso ran today but it is too late in the game.

Red Bull have a major overhaul which includes a new exhaust but everything is hunky dory.

[Agasthya]

Here's my take on it. RBR is using a concept that has been evolved for the past 4 years and has won the last two championships therefore they are dealing with a known commodity and are in a position to take risks late in the test because they know they have a solid base and the results SHOULD be fairly predictable.

On the other hand, Ferrari are dealing with a car that is brand new and are still learning about the car and for all intents and purposes the car is still (unfortunately) going through its teething process. Therefore, Ferrari probably won't be racing the exhausts that they are bringing because there is still so much to learn about the car -- they probably can't trust the data just yet.

Personally I think the car will be a race winner but I don't think it will happen in Melbourne -- unless, of course, something dramatic happens with the bits they bolt on for the test tomorrow and Sunday. I hope this car is like the MP4/20 - once McLaren was able to unlock the potential of that car it was unbelievably dominant (Kimi's drive in Suzuka 2005, for example). But more troublesome is the fact that Ferrari are still going down so many development paths trying to figure out which is the most efficient: I would have assumed that at this point in the test they would have a clear path on the way to go and what they need to do to get there... there is still time though. Not a lot of it... but there is time.

I also don't think this car can be compared to last year's McLaren because McLaren evolved the MP4/25 to produce the '26 and they knew that all their failures were originating from a single component: the fan exhaust. Once they had that sorted they were off and running and were dealing with a car they knew and trusted.

I'm looking forward to the next two days to see if Ferrari can pull a rabbit out of their hat. Regardless, Melbourne will be fun and interesting... but I think the real magic will happen at the beginning of the European season.

[johncnet]

Ferrari's Pat Fry says team in 'reasonable' form after day two of F1 testing
By Jonathan Noble Friday, March 2nd 2012, 18:09 GMT

Fernando Alonso, FerrariFerrari technical director Pat Fry believes his team is in 'reasonable' shape for the start of the season, although admits that it must keep working hard to improve its position.

As the Maranello-based team continues to make progress on its radical F2012, Fry says there remain plenty of issues that need to be solved in the final two days of testing.

When asked by AUTOSPORT about what position he felt the team was in now as pre-season testing nears it conclusion, he said: "Reasonable shape I suppose. You are always going to be happy when you are sitting there half a second a lap quicker than everyone knowing that you have still got 60 kilos of fuel in the car. I think we have got a lot of work to do. We just need to keep on.

"New bits are coming through, and we have to sort out exactly what we have got and understand how to deal with the car balance. And then it is a case of trying to get the last few developments that are coming on to the car. There are another four reasonable development items coming through before Sunday."

Fry said he was not too worried about the form that Fernando Alonso showed over a race distance simulation that was conducted on Friday afternoon, even though it did not appear as competitive as that done by Romain Grosjean in the Lotus at the same time.

"I haven't had time to go through the other long runs and overlay it to the others yet, but we were trying a mixture of new and scrubbed sets, with various mileages on," he said. "Some show quite bad degradation and some were quite reasonable."

Fry did admit, however, that one of the problems the team is facing is that the car tends to have a narrow performance window - where its form fluctuates dramatically as conditions change.

"We drop in and out of having a good balance or not, and that is something we are working on trying to understand still. Yesterday there were times when the car was good and times when it suddenly changed, and that is what we are trying to understand."

Ferrari evaluated a new front wing on Friday, which was not used for its race simulation run, and Fry said that more experiments were expected on its exhaust configuration, with the team having moved away from a more aggressive concept used at the last Barcelona test.

"It showed some good promise but after the test we did here last week, it was clear that we needed to do a lot more development before we race it, so it is something that we will carry on working on and look at later.

"Now obviously, having developed that car for that concept, we are looking to try and re-optimise everything for the week and a half we have got. There is not a massive difference between the two but we need to go through and check all the details – there are more bits turning up tonight and some other bits for Sunday to try and do the final optimisation."

[Nova]

Brundle says the F2012 looks a handful out of corners, wouldnt that be more of a mechanical grip issue than an aero issue?
The decision to go with that front susp surprised me..who last used this? Minardi? Its not like it was used with any success
or with a successful team. We may have improved on the heating up tires issue, but the lack of putting the power down
out of corners is an issue that needs to be dealt with.