Testing at Jerez 10th-13th February 2011

[Raz]

Yea they didn't use it for much of the season did they. But who knows they have had plenty of time to make it better

not really as most teams then saw it as a "WASTE" investing all that money into the technology, and 2009 was all about the DDD, plus renault had the whole Crashgate scandal to deal with in the latter part of 09

[NJB13]

Ferrari use the Magneti Marelli (MM) manufactured KERS - well, that's what we start with. Batteries are developed by us (I think). Lotus Renault and Red Bull also use the MM KERS. Having said that there is a lot of difference between what we buy and what we install.

I'm pretty sure MM last year pitched to the FiA a standard KERS system which all teams could use - price was a million I think, but it never happened.

[shostak]

Ferrari use the Magneti Marelli (MM) manufactured KERS - well, that's what we start with. Batteries are developed by us (I think). Lotus Renault and Red Bull also use the MM KERS. Having said that there is a lot of difference between what we buy and what we install.

I'm pretty sure MM last year pitched to the FiA a standard KERS system which all teams could use - price was a million I think, but it never happened.

Batteries are from an american company.

[Hombre B]

It's raining! - Scuderia Ferrari

[Hornet]

Alonso was one of the few drivers who went out. Unfortunately there's only few minutes left

[Greig]

Ending in the rain. Another 100 plus lap day for Alonso in Jerez

Circuit: Jerez Circuit– 4.428 km
Driver: Fernando Alonso
Car: Ferrari F150th Italia
Weather: air temperature 10/17°C, track temperature 10/20 °C. Cloudy, with occasional sunshine in the morning, overcast in the afternoon, then rain for the final 15 minutes.

Fourth and final day of testing for Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro and ten other Formula 1 teams all working at the Jerez de la Frontera circuit in southern Spain.

Once again today, Fernando Alonso was at the wheel of the F150th Italia. The Spanish driver worked on a comparison of various set-up options to suit the Pirelli tyres. Today, as over the past days, the car was able to run pretty much constantly: once again there were over 100 laps completed (115 to be precise) with a best time of 1.21.074. It was not until the very last minutes of the day that a rain shower hit the track, which meant the wet weather tyres could be used for the very first time.

With this second test session over, preparations for the start of the 2011 World Championship resume on Friday 18 February at the Catalunya circuit, on the outskirts of Barcelona. The first to take to the track for Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro will be Fernando Alonso, running on the opening two days, with Felipe Massa taking over for the final two.

[Rob]

Yet more kilometres for Alonso2.13.2011

Jerez de la Frontera, 13 February – The fourth and final day of testing for Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro and ten other teams here in Jerez got underway in similar fashion to the previous ones, in that the F150th Italia is racking up yet more kilometres. After completing 131 laps yesterday, Fernando Alonso has already reeled off another 72, working mainly on some set-up changes on the car. The best time for the Spaniard was a 1.21.074, third fastest overall at 13.30. Quickest at that point was Rubens Barrichello who did a 1.19.832 in the Williams, followed by the Ferrari-powered Sauber of Kamui Kobayashi in 1.20.601.

The weather has worsened: the warm sun of the past few days is hazy today and with some clouds and a strengthening breeze, the temperature so far has not reached the 20 °C mark. There is a risk of rain for this afternoon, which at least would present a great opportunity to finally try the Pirelli rain tyres, which so far are an unknown factor for everyone.

[Rob]

good test days. Really happy with how they went. Car good pace over long stints and we have good pace aswell. Problem is, how much is RBR pegging back.

Fernando again clocking up the kilometres, no problrms with reliability . Forza Ferrari!!

[Tifoso]

good test days. Really happy with how they went. Car good pace over long stints and we have good pace aswell. Problem is, how much is RBR pegging back.

Fernando again clocking up the kilometres, no problrms with reliability . Forza Ferrari!!

I doubt that RB is pegging back mate, particularly with how limited testing is. I have a very good feeling for 2011

[siberianlady]

Hope I get some decent pics for you folks from Barcelona next week.......

[Tifoso]

Hope I get some decent pics for you folks from Barcelona next week.......

Thanks, amica mia! Lucky you

[scuderiafan]

Well, the autosport editor was at the track, and he said in his blog that RedBull was best. Ferrari, and Renault were not far behind, though. He didn't really comment on the McLaren, as apparently they were only doing shakedowns.

I agree with the first bit, though it seems like somebody was making excuses for the McLaren, as they were doing the same things as the others.

Anyway, apparently, RedBull can get through the turn 4 (high DOwnforce corner) while using the rear wing. This is probably why he thought RB were holding back ,as that would have slowed laptimes down bigtime.

Renault now remind me of Honda in 2006 or BMW in 2008, quite quick car, but just cant see them win the title. (Petrov WDC 2011 )

You have to pay for the content, though.

[Phantom]

With all the kms we are clocking, still I haven't shaken off the ghost of 2010. We were also running great during test but during race, our engines couldn't last 2 races. Anyone can remember why those seals didn't give way during the test?

[scuderiafan]

With all the kms we are clocking, still I haven't shaken off the ghost of 2010. We were also running great during test but during race, our engines couldn't last 2 races. Anyone can remember why those seals didn't give way during the test?

because the engines couldn't work without being refuelled. I think they always put fuel in the car in testing, but they could not in the races. bu that issue has been taken care if

[ferrari4life]

With all the kms we are clocking, still I haven't shaken off the ghost of 2010. We were also running great during test but during race, our engines couldn't last 2 races. Anyone can remember why those seals didn't give way during the test?

i thought it had something to do with the shortened pit stop and not giving the engine enough time to build up hydrolic pressure or something.

[NJB13]

I never did buy the engine/hydraulics problem. In fact I think it was somewhat the opposite. We were ultra conservative at the start of last year because we were confident in the strength of our donk. We just created a reason for the FiA to allow us to mod the engine - supposedly to address a reliability issue, but I think we did a little more than that. At the start of the year our engine was supposed to be down on power compared to the Merc and down on efficiency compared to the Reno. By the end of the year our donks were as powerful, efficient and reliable as any

[voiko]

I never did buy the engine/hydraulics problem. In fact I think it was somewhat the opposite. We were ultra conservative at the start of last year because we were confident in the strength of our donk. We just created a reason for the FiA to allow us to mod the engine - supposedly to address a reliability issue, but I think we did a little more than that. At the start of the year our engine was supposed to be down on power compared to the Merc and down on efficiency compared to the Reno. By the end of the year our donks were as powerful, efficient and reliable as any

I kinda agree.. im sure somehow they were able to mod it more than what is typically allowed .. no matter what sort of scrutineering, we're famous for a reason right? ;)

[gvsnraju85]

i thought it had something to do with the shortened pit stop and not giving the engine enough time to build up hydrolic pressure or something.

As far as I remember it was a problem with some pneumatic valves... which Ferrari used to fill up (with nitrogen if i am not wrongr) during pit stops when refuelling was allowed...but once refuelling was banned, due to lack of sufficient time we were unable to fill it up and hence all those failures.

But Mr. Spanky, the team doing the mods is supposed to submit a detailed report of all changes to the FIA and all the FOTA team member when we perform any changes to the engine so that they can look into it and make sure that the changes were only to enhance reliability and not performance.......now if performance increases as a byproduct of the change done to enhance reliability......then thats a different matter......how ever i read somewhere that this year Ferrari is using lubricants that have helped it reduce consumtion by 20%....they have even reduced the size of the fuel tank by 20 gallons (not sure of the figures) and Tombaziz has also bought some fresh ideas to help improve the reliability of the engines. Lets see how it works out.


Even last year we had done the highest mileage of all teams in testing with no problems what-so-ever.....but later during the initial part of the season....we had Engine problems....gear problems (alonso's car in malaysia) and some electronic failures as well. So fingers crossed and hope we are on top of things for this year.

[Hermann]

Well, the autosport editor was at the track, and he said in his blog that RedBull was best. Ferrari, and Renault were not far behind, though. He didn't really comment on the McLaren, as apparently they were only doing shakedowns.

I agree with the first bit, though it seems like somebody was making excuses for the McLaren, as they were doing the same things as the others.

Anyway, apparently, RedBull can get through the turn 4 (high DOwnforce corner) while using the rear wing. This is probably why he thought RB were holding back ,as that would have slowed laptimes down bigtime.

Renault now remind me of Honda in 2006 or BMW in 2008, quite quick car, but just cant see them win the title. (Petrov WDC 2011 )

You have to pay for the content, though.

He also said Alonso seems to be making the car do what it naturally doesn't want to. Thats actually Fernando's normal driving style- he always tries to get that little extra out of the car.

Of course in the races, RB will not be able to use the wing in corners like they did in Jerez, but it tells something about their level of downforce still being extraordinary.

He said the Red Bull is so planted that Vettel was able to floor the throttle immediately upon exit, and able to open up the 50mm slot gap in his ARW almost right away. Renault is not far behind either. On the other hand, the Ferrari needed to wait a little distance before throttle can be applied, and needed to wait longer to activate the ARW.

I read similar impressions from people who were at the track, so i have to assume it is what it is- for now.

Petrov for the title? Well i bet this would bring Bernie a ridiculous amount of money- it might be tempting

[Hornet]

Alright, now I'm worried after reading those stuff

[Hermann]

Alright, now I'm worried after reading those stuff

I know there's a habit in this forum to shoot the messenger, so shoot me if you like, but it won't make a difference for the conclusions.

From what i read it looked to some that Fernando was 'forcing' the car. While i think thats quite natural for him- after all, its testing, and he needs to find out exactly what he can do with it and what not- its a sign for me certain things might be lacking. I suppose he will not mention this is any interviews though.

There are also parts which have not been added to the car- yet- so for now we will have to wait and see.

I would be very surprised though if we would not see the same picture as last year come Bahrain: RB being in front in Qualifying. The car has a ridiculous amount of downforce and you can't expect that to be any different in the first race.

What will happen in the races is another question though. The tyres are the big unknown here, it might become very tricky for the teams to find the right approach in managing them.

Fernando said he drove 40 laps with the same tyres but he did not say what kind of. I suppose the softs wouldn't make 40 laps but who knows?

[Rishu]

I am not worried yet, first of all we need to wait till Bahrain to see who stands where. Secondly, even if RB are the quickest, it does not guarantee winning races. Last year despite that crazy quick RB6 they managed WDC only just. We are yet to see Pirelli performance for different cars, reliability & weight distribution of KERS, ARW, more frequent Pit stops as tyres are degrading fast,not to forget driver capability which is the most important of all.

On contrast I would be worried if I were a RB fan & Alonso gets a car which is quick, even by slightest of margin compared to last year.

[voiko]

I know there's a habit in this forum to shoot the messenger, so shoot me if you like, but it won't make a difference for the conclusions.

From what i read it looked to some that Fernando was 'forcing' the car. While i think thats quite natural for him- after all, its testing, and he needs to find out exactly what he can do with it and what not- its a sign for me certain things might be lacking. I suppose he will not mention this is any interviews though.

There are also parts which have not been added to the car- yet- so for now we will have to wait and see.

I would be very surprised though if we would not see the same picture as last year come Bahrain: RB being in front in Qualifying. The car has a ridiculous amount of downforce and you can't expect that to be any different in the first race.

What will happen in the races is another question though. The tyres are the big unknown here, it might become very tricky for the teams to find the right approach in managing them.

Fernando said he drove 40 laps with the same tyres but he did not say what kind of. I suppose the softs wouldn't make 40 laps but who knows?

maybe that is his little mind game that says yes we can look after our tyres like u wouldnt believe... i dont care how much the RB sticks to the floor, if they have to pit an extra time than us then we will be way in front of them! 25 seconds is a big gap compared to maybe 0.3 on each lap!

[dfunk257]

This might be a stupid question, but has anybody noticed the 1st change i noticed on the car since the 1st test?

Heres what i noticed while looking thru the testing pics.....

I looked at this the other day.....


Then i noticed this.......


I thought maybe it was an opening for the mechanics, but to me it looked like an aero hole.
Then i realised i was right when i saw the latest testing pics.........


Let me know if ive been blind!!!

[gvsnraju85]

Can someone please tell me y are we running tyres with grooves???

If someone argues that it was raining yesterday in the final moments, then lemme tell you we were using similar tyres even in Valencia test when there was no rain whatsoever.....


I have posted this same question in the Valencia testing thread as well!!!!


Please lemme know if i am missing something.

[voiko]

MAYBE ITS OUR EXHAUST :p

[Brakefade]

They run the rain tires when they're doing an installation lap to make sure all systems are operational.

Anyways, on the RB thing. High downforce + low tire life = more frequent pit stops. We've heard reports of F150 being very kind to it's tires. So If we can get away with one less pit stop in the races than the RBs I think we will be golden.

[Hornet]

I know there's a habit in this forum to shoot the messenger, so shoot me if you like, but it won't make a difference for the conclusions.

From what i read it looked to some that Fernando was 'forcing' the car. While i think thats quite natural for him- after all, its testing, and he needs to find out exactly what he can do with it and what not- its a sign for me certain things might be lacking. I suppose he will not mention this is any interviews though.

There are also parts which have not been added to the car- yet- so for now we will have to wait and see.

I would be very surprised though if we would not see the same picture as last year come Bahrain: RB being in front in Qualifying. The car has a ridiculous amount of downforce and you can't expect that to be any different in the first race.

What will happen in the races is another question though. The tyres are the big unknown here, it might become very tricky for the teams to find the right approach in managing them.

Fernando said he drove 40 laps with the same tyres but he did not say what kind of. I suppose the softs wouldn't make 40 laps but who knows?

I do agree with you that its not reasonable to expect RB to lose the advantage they had last year, somehow they manage to build a car with superior downforce.

Yeah, I'm certainly hoping that Ferrari still have some untested components waiting to be tested soon. For one, our exhaust are way too simple. Both our competitors RB and McLaren have been more adventurous with their exhaust outlet design. Heck McLaren exhaust remains a mystery till now. I'll be surprised if Ferrari hadn't though of something more creative to do with those exhaust thing.

[Afalej]

They run the rain tires when they're doing an installation lap to make sure all systems are operational.

Anyways, on the RB thing. High downforce + low tire life = more frequent pit stops. We've heard reports of F150 being very kind to it's tires. So If we can get away with one less pit stop in the races than the RBs I think we will be golden.

That's a pretty big IF, If anyone was kind to it's tire's last year it was the Red Bull, of course these tire's are different from the Bridgestone tire's but i still believe that Red Bull will be the team to beat, That Adrian Newey guy is pretty formidable when it comes to build a fast car

[TheProdigalSon]

maybe that is his little mind game that says yes we can look after our tyres like u wouldnt believe... i dont care how much the RB sticks to the floor, if they have to pit an extra time than us then we will be way in front of them! 25 seconds is a big gap compared to maybe 0.3 on each lap!

If the redbull "sticks to the floor" then that means - less sliding of the tyres meaning wear rate decreases. More downforce will help the tyres as less movement is required by them from the driver.