Jerez F1 2014 test: Magnussen fastest as Mercedes racks up miles Kevin Magnussen put McLaren at the top of the timesheets while reigning champion Red Bull suffered a torrid four days in Formula 1's opening pre-season test of 2014 at Jerez. Acclimatising to the most sweeping rule changes in the sport's recent history - in particular the new V6 turbocharged engines - largely dictated the tempo in Spain this week. Red Bull suffered most, clocking up just 21 laps across the week as overheating issues, coupled with wider power unit dramas for Renault, blighted its early preparations..... please log in to view this image
Hopefully we can have a change of order that enables a world championship or two for some of the drivers whose quality deserves them, Alonso and Hamilton spring to mind particularly. I'm not saying Vettel isn't WDC quality, of course he is, but it is a shame when all of the best drivers don't have the opportunity to set the records that befit their talent. And it would certainly be great to see them have the chance to go head to head with each other on a regular basis.
Agree with most you guys. I'd rather watch a fighting Vettel to see what he is made of in a mediocre car. Not a hopeless Vettel in a **** box.
I don't see why he should be placated, other champions have just had to deal with a crap car. He should just crack on with it and show us what he's made of; as I said yesterday, how well he responds to an adverse season could enhance his reputation as a driver more than just another WDC in the best car.
If people thought the Ferrari was tightly packed, check out the W05! please log in to view this image
Ten things we learned from Jerez F1 test RED BULL FACES ITS BIGGEST CHALLENGE RENAULT HAS BIG ISSUES TO SOLVE MAGNUSSEN IS GOING TO BE GOOD MERCEDES LEADS THE WAY THE CARS SOUND GOOD UGLY CARS WON'T BE THE MAIN TALKING POINT... ...BUT NOSE DESIGN WILL BE MCLAREN IS BACK WILLIAMS IS LOOKING GOOD FERRARI IS BETTER THAN EXPECTED
It's really too early to say this but I'm wondering if the F14T might suit Räikkönen more than Alonso. If so, I'm already anticipating headaches for top brass at the prancing horseâ¦
What is that supposed to mean? Did they think Ferrari would be **** or are they saying Ferrari are just generally looking strong? I don't know what makes you think that (I'd love to know), but anyway the team haven't done any performance related set-up work yet.
As I said, it's really too early to say. It's just a hunch and is dependant upon a number of things – not least, how the car's aerodynamics will work with suspension. Räikkönen and Alonso have quite different driving styles, the latter having a significant preference for understeer. Obviously set-up makes a massive difference, but if a neutrally set chassis has a tendency for over/understeer, there is inherently more latitude for set-up in that direction. I can't really put my finger on it but (to me) something about this car suggests it'll have more potential for fine-tuning the rear end, which could suit Räikkönen more. As I said, it's very early days to be making such statements, but I thought I might as well share what is nothing more than a gut feeling at this stage. Bahrain should begin to give us a clearer indication.
Autosport change their mind about Ferrari every few days of the week, eventually you will have an engine heat failure some point in Bahrain and your car will become 'average' again. Towards the end of testing it will back back to being 'better' again if it stops doing that.
Autosport make predictions under the influence of Gary Anderson, I doubt most of the people working there go out track side and make proper observations of the cars. Gary Anderson jumps to conclusions far too easily and will make predictions without thinking things through properly first. Last year he said Mercedes had good tyre wear and can win the championship. This year he's saying Red Bull look strong...
I think the new regulations as a whole this year really favour Raikkonen. Since he's returned rallying his his steering inputs seem smoother and more precise, almost like Button in that he turns into the corner in one fluid motion, and he's seems to apply the throttle more progressively than most, at times I think he's not aggressive enough on the throttle but I think that approach will pay dividends this year. Alonso's far more aggressive with the steering wheel, he seems quite twitchy and makes a lot of corrections, which is why he prefers the car to slightly understeer and has quite a lazy steering ratio, to try and damp the movements a bit and settle the car down. I think the way the power's delivered this year will really favour Raikkonen's smoother steering inputs. It'll be interesting to see how Raikkonen gets on with the Ferrari's steering early on. I can remember him being quite particular about it when he joined Lotus and it seemed to take them a while to sort out, I'm pretty sure he sat out an entire practice session at Monaco because he was unhappy with it. I don't think Alonso's high steering ratio will appeal to Kimi and with everything else they have to sort out this year it could take Kimi a while to get the car set up exactly how he wants it. I still think Alonso will edge Kimi this year, even if the regulations aren't perfect for him. He always seems to find a way.
A better comparison of both the WDC+WCC Mercedes and the 2nd best engine makers Ferrari. please log in to view this image
I have the same feeling. Just something in the air that makes me feel that Raikkonen has this season sorted out, more so than Alonso. The cars being more twitchy this year lead me to think that Kimi has the ability to correct/react quicker and make snap direction changes when needed, if the car gets sideways. Whereas Alonso in my eyes tends to be more aggressive with the car on the whole, this may not be satisfactory for performance this season.
