Still 2sec off the pave today
From Autosport
12:58 Raikkonen is in the pits once again, and from trackside BEN ANDERSON has noticed some interesting points at the exit of Turns 1/2:
"Very inconsistent upshifts from the Ferrari coming out of T1/2. The Mercedes cars are a lot smoother, particularly McLaren. Sutil is getting wheelspin through T2."
only 37 laps!!!!!!![]()
Kimis short runs indicate that he is working on set-up.
Anderson reports that the Ferrari looks good there, Raikkonen has a similar moment of his own.
The cars are also making a strange noise when they lock up (we'll assume he doesn't mean the tyre squeal), which he speculates could be related to the energy recovery systems.
As a more general observation, Raikkonen and Sutil are "pushing hard" at the moment.
Perez WDC.. relax guys we'll be ok.
Ok,ok, 2sec off TODAY's best time. Are u happy now?
So according to the "experts" , Mercs are smoother in up shifting and we are smoother in downshifting !!!
FERRARI FOR EVER !!!!!!!
13:20 A comparison of the Mercedes and Ferrari-engines under acceleration from BEN ANDERSON:
"There are distinct upshift differences between the Mercedes and Ferrari cars. The Mercedes short shift quickly out of Turn 1 and into Turn 2, particularly Magnussen in the McLaren. The Ferrari-powered cars hold onto each gear for longer."
Just read this post by Gorma from the Autosport Forum:
It's a good thing that the engine mapping is far from optimised. There is more room for improvement.
It is good that the car stops running from time to time. It shows the team that there are issues that need to be fixed.
It is good that the aerodynamics are simple. It shows that the team is working hard in the wind tunnel producing more complex parts.
It is good that the team needs to cut adhoc cooling holes. It shows that the team can be innovative and fast at solving problems.
It is good that Kimi has had much running, because Kimi isn't that motivated anyway.
It is good that Ferrari isn't on the top of timing charts since the best cars rarely are fastest in testing.
It is good that the gears shifts sound rough compared to others. They have just figured out something that the competition hasn't.
Funny as hell.![]()
Vik asks: In your opinion, is Ferrari sandbagging or just plain slow?
EDD STRAW: "Probably neither. Ferrari is focusing on its programme and has had a few bumps in the road. Certainly, it’s appears not to be as far advanced as Mercedes with its engine and has some work to do.
"We haven’t seen a proper race run or a qualifying simulation, so it’s hard to say what the difference between it and Mercedes would be if there were a race tomorrow. It’s playing catch-up, certainly, but too early to write Ferrari off."
Third and final stints for Bottas and Magnussen. Impressive from Williams:
Also Bottas is ready. His 3 Stint went over 24 rounds on medium tires: out lap - 1:38.3 - 1:39.3 - 1:40.1 - 1:40.3 - 1:40.1 - 1:40.0 - 1:40.0 - 1:40.1 - 1:40.1 - 1: 40.3 - 1:40.6 - 1:40.8 - 1:40.6 - 1:41.0 - 1:40.9 - 1:41.3 - 1:41.6 - 1:41.8 - 1:42.4 - 1:43.5 - 1:43.9 - 1:45.5 - Inlap
Magnussen has finished his race simulation schedule. The third Stint was over 21 laps on soft tires. Here the individual times: out lap - 1:40.0 - 1:39.8 - 1:39.8 - 1:39.9 - 1:40.4 - 1:40.8 - 1:40.8 - 1:40.8 - 1:40.9 - 1:41.1 - 1:41.7 - 1:42.0 - 1:43.0 - 1:42.7 - 1:43.3 - 1:43.7 - 1:44.2 - 1:45.0 - 1:45.8 - Inlap
Looks like they are also trying new rear bodywork with a larger opening around the exhaust. Not the best angle, but clearly new. (right click and open for bigger version)
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Our monkey seat seems to be strangely absent still.
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