Yesterday, Ferrari F1 began the first two days of testing, which Pirelli is also carrying out with Red Bull, Alpine and Ferrari. The first two teams remained in Monza after last week’s Italian Grand Prix, while Ferrari took to the track in Fiorano to collect valuable data and unlock more performance in the SF-23.
Development of tyres without tyre warmers continues in Monza for 2025
At the Monza circuit, the development of dry tyres that won’t need tyre warmers (scheduled for 2025) takes place, although the next tyre supplier for 2025-2028 is still unconfirmed.
A decision was initially expected after the summer break, to be announced after the summer break. However, F1 needs more time to make its final selection. However, Liberty Media has clarified they are in the final stages, and a decision will be made by the end of the summer.
The two-day test, which continues today Sergio Perez for Red Bull and Pierre Gasly for Alpine on track, was initially supposed to take place in early August at Spa-Francorchamps.
Unfortunately, due to heavy rain, Pirelli opted to bring wet tyres (full wet and intermediate) to the Spa circuit. With that said, Pirelli weren’t unhappy with the chance to test their tyres at a more demanding circuit compared to Fiorano and Paul Ricard. These circuits are typically used because they have an artificial irrigation system.
The dry tyre test in Monza, despite the F1 Commission’s decision to delay the ban on tyre blankets, is important for Pirelli to verify their simulation data. Yesterday, Sergio Perez completed 119 laps, with a best time of 1:23.585, while Esteban Ocon completed 118 laps, the fastest in a time of 1:25.508.
Ferrari collects data on their unstable high-load package at Firoano
A test dedicated mainly to the development of wet and intermediate tires is being held in Fiorano, which is possible thanks to the venue’s artificial irrigation system on the Scuderia di Maranello’s private track.
Yesterday, Carlos Sainz took to the track and, after a few laps with dry tires (without specifying ‘without tyre warmers) – dedicated himself to the wet programme. Today, it’s Charles Leclerc’s turn.
The SF-23 took to the track and was equipped with the high load package, which gave the Italian team many problems. A limited front end and rear wing that negatively impact handling (due to discrepancies at certain loads and pressures) are key issues.
During these tests, teams cannot test aerodynamic innovations, but they can use different components already used during the season. As for set-up, teams can choose the one they start with, and then provide it to Pirelli, who must validate it.
This process involves Pirelli verifying how useful the set-up is for data collection, based on various parameters. Once the test begins, the team can no longer make extensive setup changes – only allowed to adapt the car if the evolution of the circuit is important.
Compared to the medium-high load set-up used for the SF-23 filming day debut last February, where Ferrari opted for a medium-load set-up, the Italian team appeared in Fiorano with high-load wing specifications.
This is no coincidence – since the Italian team confirmed to us how these 460 km (equivalent to Grand Prix and a half in distance), will serve for data collection. Charles Leclerc will take the wheel on day two.
At least partially, given that in wet conditions, the pitot tubes, necessary to trace the pressure at a certain point of the car through speed, are blocked.
A comparison was also made of beam wings always coupled with the high-load rear wing, using the most loaded biplane specification and the one with the neutral upper element.
In the meantime, ad hoc tests will be carried out in the wind tunnel this week to investigate and interpret the problem, also thanks to the data collected between the FP1 in Holland and these Pirelli tests. Carlos Sainz set the fastest lap with a time of 59.430 seconds.
Author: Piergiuseppe Donadoni
Co Author: Rosario Giuliana
Author: Jaden Diaz-Ndisang
