Very odd. Certainly not the most straightforward of days for Ferrari so far this test. No doubt that they’re quick though. Couple of niggling issues for a lot of teams this week. Merc, Ferrari, Red Bull and McLaren all having some teething problems. Still some very good lap counts again though.
Mercedes after saying they not bringing any updates and that it would take months to bring a new front wing concept, brought a new car to testing... and so far yet to show their hand in terms of one-lap speed... I wonder if they have some other surprise up their sleeve?
They didn't lie. They didn't bring any updates they brought a new car!!!! A cunning plan, my lord. I hope they are not far ahead of everyone else. We may get a bit more info tomorrow as it's last day! Maybe if we could see sector times we could piece together best sectors and maybe have a little more idea of who is where but Aus is real test
McLaren doing 130 laps and top of a timesheet - not said that in testing for a long time! I think some of the excitement will be dampened tomorrow when a few teams turn up the wick- the front three (RBR/Ferrari/Merc) are clear of the pack but it’s pandemonium after that. McLaren and Renault I hope are the chasers ahead of the B teams and Williams.
The thing is...Mercedes doesn't seem to be too worried about pace... they are really calm about the pace of the other teams and not panicking at all... I guess they know something, or have something in their back pockets...lol Maybe changed from Party Mode to Carnival Mode???
Given the enhancements Mercedes brought in towards the end of the last season they must never be assumed to be lagging behind. Nothing in their past 5 years suggests they will be far behind if they are behind at all. Just how strong the Ferrari team spirit is will undoubtedly be tested. The cars (well McLaren) are 1 second off last years pole so I assume there is quite a bit in reserve still.
Mercedes just did a 1:18.0 on C2s. Now that isnt too shabby, is it? Well we should see what more they are willing to show today. But Red Bull isnt doing too badly either, so Max shouldnt jave any excuse when Ricciardo beats him...right? Lol
Some very smart C3times posted this morning too! LeClerc 16.3 on C5! Intriguingly though only 7tenths clear of Toro Rosso and McLaren...?
Interesting rumours that Merc are actually experimenting with 2 specs. The B-spec being run this week will be seen at Melbourne, but there's a theory that Spec A was more than a testing mule, and may actually be run at some circuits this year. Presumably this is Merc trying to address the inherent weakness their design philosophy has shown at particular tracks. Have they produced 2 half-baked cars rather than one excellent one?
Thats a good point....meaning Mercedes change of front is not a chain reaction. It was all part of the plan. Another thing, Ferarri crash...thry say it was a rim failure? I am wondering.if it might have been a front wing failure..just wondering
I think Ferrari, like some other teams, are testing 'blown rims' as Merc looked at last year and are running, I think. So I wonder if they have calculated structural strength a little wrong? Front wing issue would be an interesting one as I can't imagine how much calcs go into the making of a front wing.
I was thinking or wondeing if a failed front wing could cause such a crash like what Vettel had, and i wonder.if they would tell the truth about what caused the crash? Just wondering.
