|
|
Luigi Mazzola is a name you might not
have heard of, but he is another vital element in the success of Ferrari at his present
moment. Mazzola has been in charge of the Ferrari test team since 1995, and in that time
he has seen many changes in the way the team works and how they push onwards even when
successful. Mazzola remembers the days when he first began his position and how much
things have changed now under the restructuring work done by Jean Todt.
“Back then (1995), the team reported to track chief Giorgio Ascanelli and then, since
2000 Ross Brawn oversees our work. To understand just how important to Ferrari is track
development work between the races, one only has to look at the size of the squad. In the
early days, there were just five mechanics and no engineers, whereas today we number
around sixty. You should realise that, up to 1995, the race team did the grands prix and
the tests, which was very tiring and therefore, less productive. It was Jean Todt who
moved to restructure this area giving rise to the situation we have today.”
2002 has seen a big change in the testing work done by Ferrari with lots of hours and
track time being dedicated to tyre testing. This testing is pretty much the forte of
Luciano Burti who puts in lots of work in this delicate area.
“Given that Ferrari is now the only top team on Bridgestone tyres, it was pretty
clear that on-track tyre development would mainly come down to us,” comments Luigi.
“So we rushed through a small group of engineers, mechanics and logistical support,
which could work separately on this sector. It took a while to get going, but now it all
runs smooth as silk.”
So what is it like on a typical test day with the Ferrari team? Mazzola explains the basic
routine for any given test and how the need for flexibility is a must.
“Usually, we get to the track between 7.30 and 8 in the morning. The first briefing
with the engineers and drivers takes place at 8.30 to define the day’s programme,
which can be affected by the weather – temperature, rain and so forth might lead to a
change of plan. We start running on track around 9 and run into the afternoon. The time we
stop depends on the circuit where closing time varies between 17.00 and 18.30.”
“This is the big difference between the work of the race team, which operates to a
strictly defined timetable, whereas we can be more flexible in our work hours and, if
necessary, change the programme as the day progresses. This is actually one of the
trickiest parts of our job, because one has to know when to adapt the programme to suit
what happens on the track. The final part of the day comes after the end-of-day debrief.
We work on the car, changing the engine, as we do around 400 kilometres on every test day,
inspecting the gearbox, checking all the components and so on. On a normal working day, we
finished around eleven or midnight and it can go on even later, if we have encountered
problems.”
Racing drivers often speak of the boredom that comes with testing, at Ferrari the team use
all four drivers when possible, so how does the test team relationship work with race
drivers Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello?
“I would say very good,” says Mazzola. “We have mutual respect and trust.
From my point of view, I try and create the best possible environment for them to do their
work and to fully assimilate all their comments and suggestions. They are very amenable,
even if there are some things they like doing more than others. But they are professional
and understand the need to complete a programme.”
Testing is one area but the actual race is a different arena to work in and experience, so
does Luigi feel bitter about not being able to go to the race instead working behind the
scenes in a less glamorous environment?
“If you work for a Formula 1 team, you definitely need the stimulus of competition,
or there would be no reason to the work we do. One always wants to be ahead of the rest to
show what one is capable of. At the races, that feeling is tangible and of course I miss
it a bit. There is an element of competition during testing, but naturally it’s
different. There is a technical programme to adhere to.”
Testing times are never to be overlooked but they do sometimes give the wrong impression
to the fans reading the times. Ferrari fans are well used to seeing their rivals running
light or underweight in order to set a faster time than the Ferrari, and although this
thought is sometimes pondered, it would serve no purpose to the team or the test
programme. “I don’t deny that sometimes I get that feeling (to ask for a fast
lap), but there is no sense in it as it is not part of our job and the head overrules the
heart!”
Drivers have favoured tracks for racing on, but do the test team have favourite tracks to
test on?
“I would say the most enjoyable are the ones which are the toughest, where finding
the right set-up is more complicated. If I had to chose just one, I would say Barcelona:
the Circuit de Catalunya represents a real challenge for the engineers.”
Being part of Ferrari in any role is always special, wherever the team are testing the
Tifosi are out looking to catch a glimpse of the red cars. Fences will be climbed and
barriers leaped for many fans just to see the team in action even in testing, so does
Luigi feel the passion even when testing so many long hours?
“Yes, without a doubt. Even if at the circuits where we test a lot there are very few
spectators, it’s noticeable that the Reds are watched with special attention. You can
feel it from the way people approach you in the hotel in the evening or the way they look
at you at an airport check-in. And you can also feel the sense of pride when you put on
your team kit. When you are at the track, dressed in red, you feel that there is something
special about what you are doing. It has to be this way, because to make progress with the
Scuderia you have to feel that extra something.” |
|
|
