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 concerning the automobile’s “raceability” on account of its comparatively low energy output above 250 km/h in comparison with different Hypercars.
The skilled Polish driver, who beforehand competed in Components 1, set the quickest time through 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 prime 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 pace, contributing to victories within the final two editions of the Le Mans 24 Hours. Nevertheless, this yr’s Stability of Efficiency (BoP) changes have launched a broader unfold of Energy Acquire values throughout all Hypercars.
Whereas Ferrari improved energy output underneath 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 prime speeds however admitted that Ferrari’s relative lack of energy over 250 km/h may current difficulties throughout race circumstances. He identified that pure prime pace numbers don’t inform the complete story, as the way in which the automobile reaches that pace considerably impacts efficiency.
He defined that though some vehicles have larger drag, they’ll attain their prime pace faster, the place uncooked energy is crucial, however effectivity additionally performs an important 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 best stability between energy and effectivity to optimize the automobile’s efficiency, emphasizing that equality amongst opponents won’t ever be actual.
Relating to his tempo through the check day, the Polish racing driver expressed satisfaction with the habits of the No. 83 Ferrari however talked about that the cool and overcast climate circumstances throughout testing won’t replicate what will probably be skilled throughout race week.
The AF Corse driver prompt that whereas the automobile felt good underneath these circumstances, translating that into race efficiency stays unsure. Robert Kubica famous that rising temperatures may considerably affect the automobile, notably with rear tire degradation, primarily based on final yr’s expertise.
Nonetheless, he acknowledged that Ferrari has improved the automobile and gained a greater understanding of its habits, making it an fascinating problem to see how the 499P will carry out underneath hotter circumstances.
When requested concerning the competitors heading into the official follow periods, Robert Kubica predicted that LMDh producers akin to BMW, Cadillac, Alpine, and Porsche would pose a higher problem than final yr’s extra easy duel between Ferrari and Toyota. He noticed that the competitors seems tighter this season, with not less than 5 – 6 producers prone to be very aggressive, particularly in shorter stints.
Robert Kubica defined that efficiency will fluctuate over the 24-hour race relying on circumstances and race phases. He famous that the LMDh vehicles have made vital progress since final yr, with BMW notably enhancing its consistency over a full race distance.
The AF Corse driver additionally expects Cadillac to be aggressive, citing their robust displaying in Qatar, together with Alpine, which he considers to have excessive potential, and naturally, Porsche, rounding out a powerful area of not less than six producers prone to contend for podium finishes.
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