Ferrari is as soon as once more prepared to check its automobile on observe with Pirelli. For the second time in every week, due to Testing of Earlier Automobiles programmes, Ferrari has the chance to reinforce its know-how with the pink automobile. Just a few kilometers to get conversant in the workforce whereas awaiting the beginning of the championship. In a latest interview, former Pink Bull engineer Adrian Newey described the upcoming season’s technical laws as probably the most vital revolution he has witnessed in his lengthy profession in Method 1.
The explanation lies in the truth that nothing from the present technology of automobiles will carry over to the brand new technology autos. In contrast to the 2022 laws, which reintroduced floor impact whereas retaining continuity in energy models, the 2026 guidelines is not going to comply with this sample. The contribution of the electrical element within the energy models might be tripled, and the MGU-H might 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 automobiles. On this context, one typically ignored side is the impression of the brand new Pirelli tires, which may even bear vital modifications. 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 might be diminished by 25 millimeters on the entrance and 30 millimeters on the rear. The aim is obvious: tires are one of many elements that generate probably the most rolling resistance, and decreasing their frontal part will considerably enhance aerodynamic effectivity. As seen in 2016 and 2021, the tire provider must develop a brand new product with out having a automobile within the goal configuration. This problem is one thing Pirelli has efficiently addressed prior to now.
They completed this by counting on simulations and observe exams with appropriately modified automobiles from the earlier technology. On-track testing started final yr on the Montmeló circuit in September with Aston Martin, utilizing their 2022 automobile modified to duplicate, as intently as attainable, the conduct of future automobiles that can incorporate lively aerodynamics. That is no straightforward job, however it might significantly 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 exams are meticulously regulated underneath paragraph 10.10 of the sporting laws, which governs automobiles often called “mule automobiles”. Based on the foundations, solely automobiles 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 laws: throughout this kind of take a look at, using experimental components, take a look at software program, or element modifications that present a competitor with data not strictly associated to tire testing is strictly prohibited. Software program and element modifications are allowed provided that vital for the correct analysis of take a look at components or to finish the testing program, and, in any case, have to be authorized by the Worldwide Federation earlier than being carried out.
In essence, the sporting laws goal to control these exams in order that they can’t present insights unrelated to their supposed goal. The most important problem of those observe exams considerations the approximation of the load ranges of the 2026 automobiles. This worth is estimated utilizing automobiles that derive over 50% of their whole downforce from the ground. To this finish, in earlier exams, groups have adjusted the setup of their mule automobiles and elevated using the drag discount system throughout laps, not simply within the conventional activation zones.
The aim is to steadiness the load between the entrance and rear axles. Ferrari is making ready to discipline its two essential drivers over the two-day take a look at, 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 workforce, this may even 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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