Robert Kubica has tempered expectations concerning the efficiency of the Ferrari 499P after the 24 Hours of Le Mans check day held final Sunday, expressing considerations in regards to the automobile’s “raceability” as a consequence of its comparatively low energy output above 250 km/h in comparison with different Hypercars.
The skilled Polish driver, who beforehand competed in Method 1, set the quickest time in the course of the morning session of the check day and adopted with the third-fastest lap within the afternoon. Regardless of his robust efficiency, Kubica completed 0.656 seconds behind the quickest benchmark set by Toyota’s Brendon Hartley.
Ferrari’s high contender on the check was the manufacturing unit No. 51 automobile, pushed by James Calado, who clocked the second-best time within the afternoon session, trailing the No. 8 Toyota by 0.531 seconds.
Traditionally, the Ferrari 499P has been famous for its straight-line velocity, contributing to victories within the final two editions of the Le Mans 24 Hours. Nevertheless, this yr’s Steadiness of Efficiency (BoP) changes have launched a broader unfold of Energy Achieve values throughout all Hypercars.
Whereas Ferrari improved energy output below 250 km/h in comparison with final yr, the 499P now registers the bottom energy determine above this threshold, producing 500.1 kW, roughly 20 kW lower than essentially the most highly effective Hypercar, the BMW M Hybrid V8.
Kubica acknowledged the intentions of the rule-makers to equalize high speeds however admitted that Ferrari’s relative lack of energy over 250 km/h might current difficulties throughout race circumstances. He identified that pure high velocity numbers don’t inform the total story, as the best way the automobile reaches that velocity considerably impacts efficiency.
He defined that though some automobiles have increased drag, they’ll attain their high velocity faster, the place uncooked energy is crucial, however effectivity additionally performs a vital position. Kubica famous that Ferrari is the weakest in energy above 250 km/h, which can not favor them in racing, though the ACO goals to take care of aggressive parity.
Robert Kubica additionally highlighted the significance of discovering the precise stability between energy and effectivity to optimize the automobile’s efficiency, emphasizing that equality amongst rivals won’t ever be actual.
Concerning his tempo in the course of the check day, the Polish racing driver expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the No. 83 Ferrari however talked about that the cool and overcast climate circumstances throughout testing won’t mirror what will likely be skilled throughout race week.
The AF Corse driver advised that whereas the automobile felt good below these circumstances, translating that into race efficiency stays unsure. Robert Kubica famous that rising temperatures might considerably impression the automobile, significantly with rear tire degradation, based mostly on final yr’s expertise.
However, he said that Ferrari has improved the automobile and gained a greater understanding of its conduct, making it an fascinating problem to see how the 499P will carry out below hotter circumstances.
When requested in regards to the competitors heading into the official observe classes, Robert Kubica predicted that LMDh producers similar to BMW, Cadillac, Alpine, and Porsche would pose a larger problem than final yr’s extra easy duel between Ferrari and Toyota. He noticed that the competitors seems tighter this season, with at the least 5 – 6 producers more likely to be very aggressive, particularly in shorter stints.
Robert Kubica defined that efficiency will differ over the 24-hour race relying on circumstances and race phases. He famous that the LMDh automobiles have made vital progress since final yr, with BMW notably bettering its consistency over a full race distance.
The AF Corse driver additionally expects Cadillac to be aggressive, citing their robust exhibiting in Qatar, together with Alpine, which he considers to have excessive potential, and naturally, Porsche, rounding out a powerful discipline of at the least six producers more likely to contend for podium finishes.
Purchase official Ferrari F1 merchandise!
Let different Scuderia Followers learn about us
