Scuderia Ferrari has executed numerous work on the simulator. In System 1, each element counts to make a distinction, particularly on a technical observe just like the 4.94-kilometre Marina Bay Road Circuit. The primary setup correction made yesterday labored. The dearth of rotation disappeared, giving solution to slight oversteer on the exit. Charles Leclerc confirmed talent in managing the SF-24, whereas his Maranello teammate struggled extra. A small brake challenge, which solely occurred within the second half of FP2, additionally mentally blocked the Spaniard, affecting his confidence.
Can the Marina Bay model of Ferrari battle for pole place and consequently for the win? It’s not straightforward to reply. We are able to say that the possibilities are there as a result of the potential to beat the tremendous McLaren appears current. Furthermore, on the slender streets of the Asian circuit, the drivers’ expertise can clearly enhance the success charge. One of the best drivers will have the ability to exploit each inch of the observe to go quicker, brushing the partitions. The stability of the Ferrari is excellent however nonetheless must make the ultimate step.
Ferrari determined to make some tweaks to the suspension system. In accordance with simulations, this transfer ought to present extra efficiency to each automobiles, giving Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz a concrete probability to battle on the high. Nonetheless, will probably be vital to keep away from taking a deceptive path with the setup. We are saying this as a result of it wouldn’t be the primary time it occurs, a state of affairs that may make the automobile lose its appropriate working level, forcing a return to the earlier setup with out bettering in comparison with yesterday. The Maranello crew, it appears, is assured in what they’re doing.
For now, let’s take an in depth take a look at how occasions unfolded for the 2 Ferrari drivers within the last free follow session for the Singapore Grand Prix, in circumstances that have been very totally different from these which groups and drivers will encounter within the qualifying session later at this time.
The same old checks on the Italian automobiles have simply been accomplished: energy unit, braking system, hybrid system, and transmission. Every thing appears to be working completely. The brand new entrance wing has been authorised and can once more be showcased at this time on the winding Marina Bay circuit. Earlier than we start, let’s check out the climate: air temperature at 30.5°C, observe temperature at 37.2°C. Humidity is 77%, with a wind velocity of 0.5 km/h from the northwest. Every thing is prepared for the observe session. The Ferrari drivers are aboard their SF-24 automobiles, ready for the inexperienced flag.
The mechanics sign the Ferrari drivers to depart the pit lane. For this primary run of the third free follow session, each SF-24 automobiles are fitted with a set of yellow-banded Pirelli tires. It needs to be famous that final night time’s heavy downpour made the observe inexperienced once more. Ferrari race engineers Riccardo Adami and Bryan Bozzi remind the drivers of the FP2 references with the Medium tires, that are vital for understanding the observe circumstances at this second. The tires are warmed up, after which they change to push mode for the primary flying lap, testing the observe with out pushing too laborious.
In the course of the cooling lap for the tires, the same old recommendation is available in to optimize dealing with. After the one, very sluggish cool-down lap, it’s again to enterprise. Carlos Sainz is pressured to appropriate the automobile in sector 2 and almost crashes into the wall. Happily, the Spaniard managed to manage the SF-24 in the midst of the nook when the rear stepped out. In distinction, Charles Leclerc accomplished the lap with out too many points. After two laps to check the automobile, they now change to Engine Mode 1 for a extra correct evaluation of the Italian automobile.
We’re ready for this try to speak about stability. Carlos Sainz manages to discover a balanced lap with no corrections on the steering wheel. A clear lap, in brief. In the meantime, Charles Leclerc, maybe as a result of he tried to push too laborious, determined to elevate within the second sector. He did this as a result of his driving wasn’t clear. We are able to say the Ferrari’s stability is great. Carlos Sainz returns to the pits whereas his Maranello teammate stays on observe for an additional push lap, taking the highest spot on the leaderboard.
So as to add extra particulars, it appears the setup tweaks have additional balanced the Italian automobiles. Excellent news, then. Charles Leclerc is kind of glad, as you may inform from the tone of his radio communications. Carlos Sainz, then again, nonetheless wants to achieve confidence with the SF-24. Actually, the Spaniard handed by means of the pits for a setup adjustment, satisfied he may enhance issues. And certainly, his efficiency improved, following intently behind his teammate, nonetheless utilizing the worn yellow-banded tires. He stays on observe for an additional two laps.
Riccardo Adami asks him to finish a lap with most energy from the inner combustion engine, with out utilizing the DRS system. The aim is evident: to check the Ferrari’s efficiency with out the help of the rear wing to evaluate the automobile’s aerodynamic effectivity. An fascinating data-gathering train to know the SF-24’s drag worth. In the meantime, Charles is again on the observe, nonetheless with the yellow-banded Pirellis. The setup refinement work continues earlier than switching to the Comfortable tires for additional grip.
Over the last quarter-hour of the third free follow session for the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix, the historic Ferrari crew was prepared to check the SF-24’s capabilities on the red-banded Pirelli tires. The purpose was to realize an ideal warm-up cycle in an effort to entry the utmost grip these tires can supply. The tire warm-up course of was dealt with fastidiously, utilizing varied settings and particular racing traces to inject vitality into the tire carcass. Then, earlier than the final nook, they switched to push mode earlier than going full throttle.
Carlos Sainz managed a reasonably clear lap, although he encountered numerous site visitors throughout his try. The Spaniard wasn’t blissful along with his efficiency, satisfied he may have executed a lot better. In the meantime, Charles Leclerc lifted in Flip 1 as he exceeded observe limits. The Monegasque driver launched one other lap afterward however encountered site visitors in sector 1, which disturbed him barely. Carlos Sainz returned to the pits, adopted by his teammate. On the in-lap, the Monegasque reported a normal lack of grip. There wasn’t sufficient time for an additional adjustment, so after a fast pit cease, it was again on observe.
There was numerous chatter on the radio between the engineers and drivers, making an attempt to know what wasn’t working. It appears the difficulty was primarily associated to tire activation, which didn’t work as anticipated. Within the second try, issues didn’t enhance. There was a normal lack of grip throughout your entire observe. Not an excellent signal simply hours earlier than qualifying, the place grip will probably be important for the battle on the high. Ferrari wants to determine tips on how to enhance the efficiency on the Comfortable tires and generate the correct quantity of vitality into the tire. The collected information will probably be helpful for this.
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