2012 Testing - Barcelona 2: 1 - 4 March

[Th0R]

DONT PANIC
and never forget your towel

so back to topic.
The first "real" race simulation of ferrari looked quite promissing. Maybe they will close the gap to mclaren and red bull till melbourne. RedBull had a solid testing day. The car seems good. Because it's just a evolution of the previous RBR this was to be expected and they also have a major update coming the next days. So this will be interessting. McLaren didn't run that much today. But there are no confirmed issues and they have done a lot of laps the previous days. Mercdes AMG has done a lot of long stints. The front tyres seem to be the main problem for them. But it's still testing and we can only guess whats going on. I would like to see a detail photo of the front tyres after a 10+ lap stint, does anybody have one?

I really cant wait for the first race....

[f1316]

So, someone explain this timing screen to me:

http://f1tests.co.cc/2012.php?rev=on

To my understanding, this shows Massa on a stint from lap 70 to 100? That's not correct is it?

Obviously I'm aware they can run a lot longer than that, but he seems to get faster after each of the "blank" laps (81/82 & 95/96); presumably these are in and out laps (or practice pit stops) that were missed by the timing screens?

[retpog55]

@F1316

You have answered your own question, that is exactly right. When you look at laps 81/82 and 95/96, Massa's next laps after these two "pit stops" are a second or two quicker than before the timing went blank suggesting a change of tyres during these laps which were missed by f1tests.co.cc.

[f1316]

@F1316

You have answered your own question, that is exactly right. When you look at laps 81/82 and 95/96, Massa's next laps after these two "pit stops" are a second or two quicker than before the timing went blank suggesting a change of tyres during these laps which were missed by f1tests.co.cc.

Cool, thanks, that's what I thought. Even with that, I'm not sure what all the pessimism is about regarding its pace compared to say, the McLaren, but we'll have to see.

[Mestrades]

Sorry moderator, but I'm informing about the Mercedes AMG F1 W03's pace. So I think that is not incorrect to put that information here.

Last Rosberg stint. It looks better than the last one in terms of tyre degradation

1:29.271 (115)
1:29.144 (116)
1:29.116 (117)
1:29.061 (118)
1:29.033 (119)
1:33.924 (120)*
1:29.429 (121)
1:29.581 (122)
1:29.420 (123)
1:29.567 (124)

RED FLAG!

[snoop1050]

]
Yes but it was a Slow Opening Lap which CAN NOT be done in a race with 2 cars breathing down your neck. That is why I liked Webber's one. No Slow Laps as such. Consistent one's. And 16 laps not 11 odd laps.

whats that lap called where everyone drives around to form up on the grid? you know the slow one where you warm up your tyres and brakes? maybe rosberg was simulating it on old tyres that had done a qually run?

[Devilsadvocate]

They are using the Hard Tyre (SLIVER WALLED).May be a Long Stint on these tyres

[mahesh248f1]

They might have switch the left Tyre to right , since there will be more stress on the left tyre in this track especially.

[myurr]

From Brazil 2011, Vettel in blue, Button in orange. Spain is probably more punishing on tyres, but still, to lose a second in 16 laps seems fairly average in comparison to tyre wear at the end of last season, when the times tended to decrease during the stint (first stint is on used tyres, so increase in times expected).

Careful. Don't let facts get in the way of hyperbole and fanboyism.

[msc-n01]

I agree with u mate. maclaren,ferrari and red bull have still not done a low fuel quali blast. the boys are all playing a funny game. however we might see the true pace either in the last days of testing or maybe we just have to wait for melbourne. All i can c is that nicos time today was pretty consistant and similar to the big boys.

[Mr.S]

Everyone is focussing on Race Pace.

Anyways front left's were graining & now the rights. Having said that its better than what it was. But still this is not good. Tyre Degradation is a big issue.I dont know they will sort it. More Front End Downforce,a high rake where the Front Wings are sweeping the ground. I dont know,I am not an expert. This is not easy to fix & certainly will be hard to get anywhere near RED Bull degradation levels.

It is a Solid Car & that everyone knows. Brawn has said it clear that 3rd is THE MINIMUM target for this year. Beating Mclaren & Ferrari is not easy. It is very difficult to understand where Ferrari & Mclaren are at the moment as in HOW MUCH strong. Red Bull will be Super Strong anyway.

Today's times were not too good. Working on tyre degradation ate too much to time. The general pace could have been better on an average. I dont like times in the 1-30's.

[Th0R]

Mr. S. yo uhave a very pessimistic point of view. I dont think that tyre degradation is a big issue. Yeah the tires dont look good at the images. But maybe they tested how much the tires can take.
The avarage times over the stints seemed quite promissing. They were very consistant over most of the stints. And most important they seemed to get to work all tyre types (i'm not sure they tested the super softs yet). That the absolute times dont matter can be seen clearly: Sauber faster than red bull today, i bet we wont see this often this season;)

You say tyre degradation ate too much time? Too much time for what? I would be much more concerned if they were still doing constant speed runs or used massive flow visualisation. Or if they had to cut massive holes in the bodywork like last year...

I think they understand the behaviour of the car quite well. Working on tyre degradation is a performance issue. Working over 120 laps on performance is superb.

[msc-n01]

I agree mate. also times like 1.30 could also be a car infront causing you to break. it could be anything. I personally feel real optimistic about this year. alot of positiveness. finger crossed

[atanatizante]

Everyone is focusing on Race Pace ...

MB in the second part of the 2011 season had shifted their FP strategy working mainly (for race) with a lot a fuel on board, doesn`t it? They are doing the same thing now IMHO ...

[pocketmoon]

Brawn says "We are slower than Red Bull" but "it's a reliable car and not eating the tyres" but need to find race speed and balance.

http://www.motorsport-total.com/f1/news ... 30106.html