Ferrari is as soon as once more prepared to check its automotive on monitor with Pirelli. For the second time in every week, because of Testing of Earlier Vehicles programmes, Ferrari has the chance to boost its know-how with the purple automotive. Just a few kilometers to get aware of the crew whereas awaiting the beginning of the championship. In a current interview, former Pink Bull engineer Adrian Newey described the upcoming season’s technical rules as essentially the most vital revolution he has witnessed in his lengthy profession in Components 1.
The rationale lies in the truth that nothing from the present technology of vehicles will carry over to the brand new technology automobiles. In contrast to the 2022 rules, which reintroduced floor impact whereas retaining continuity in energy items, the 2026 guidelines won’t comply with this sample. The contribution of the electrical part within the energy items will probably be tripled, and the MGU-H will probably be retired.
Technical and political causes have led to a brand new structure for the V6 turbo-hybrid engines, necessitating extremely invasive aero-mechanical modifications for next-generation vehicles. On this context, one usually neglected facet is the affect of the brand new Pirelli tires, which may also bear vital adjustments. Subsequent yr, Pirelli’s tires will nonetheless use 18-inch rims, regardless of preliminary discussions about switching to 16-inch rims.
Nonetheless, the tread width will probably be decreased by 25 millimeters on the entrance and 30 millimeters on the rear. The aim is obvious: tires are one of many elements that generate essentially the most rolling resistance, and lowering their frontal part will considerably enhance aerodynamic effectivity. As seen in 2016 and 2021, the tire provider should develop a brand new product with out having a automotive within the goal configuration. This problem is one thing Pirelli has efficiently addressed prior to now.
They completed this by counting on simulations and monitor checks with appropriately modified vehicles from the earlier technology. On-track testing started final yr on the Montmeló circuit in September with Aston Martin, utilizing their 2022 automotive modified to copy, as intently as attainable, the conduct of future vehicles that can incorporate lively aerodynamics. That is no straightforward activity, however it will possibly enormously help the Italian tire producer in reaching its targets.
Pirelli’s testing of tires for the following regulatory period will proceed at Montmeló, Spain, on February 4 and 5. On these days, Ferrari and the reigning world champions, McLaren, will take part. These checks are meticulously regulated underneath paragraph 10.10 of the sporting rules, which governs vehicles referred to as “mule vehicles”. In line with the principles, solely vehicles that participated within the World Championship throughout one of many 4 calendar years previous the present yr can be utilized.
A key issue is explicitly said within the sporting rules: throughout any such check, the usage of experimental components, check software program, or part modifications that present a competitor with data not strictly associated to tire testing is strictly prohibited. Software program and part modifications are allowed provided that essential for the right analysis of check components or to finish the testing program, and, in any case, should be accepted by the Worldwide Federation earlier than being carried out.
In essence, the sporting rules goal to control these checks in order that they can not present insights unrelated to their meant function. The foremost problem of those monitor checks considerations the approximation of the load ranges of the 2026 vehicles. This worth is estimated utilizing vehicles that derive over 50% of their whole downforce from the ground. To this finish, in earlier checks, groups have adjusted the setup of their mule vehicles and elevated the usage of the drag discount system throughout laps, not simply within the conventional activation zones.
The aim is to stability the load between the entrance and rear axles. Ferrari is getting ready to subject its two principal drivers over the two-day check, in addition to the motorsport division that competed for the Constructors’ Championship final season. The SF-24 has been suitably modified to “match” the brand new Pirelli tires. For the historic Italian crew, this may also be a chance to proceed acclimating Lewis Hamilton to strategies and dealing procedures totally different from these he mastered throughout his lengthy tenure with the Silver Arrows.
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