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 in regards to the automotive’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 Method 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 high contender on the check was the manufacturing unit No. 51 automotive, 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 Steadiness 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 probably the most highly effective Hypercar, the BMW M Hybrid V8.
Kubica acknowledged the intentions of the rule-makers to equalize high speeds however admitted that Ferrari’s relative lack of energy over 250 km/h may current difficulties throughout race situations. He identified that pure high pace numbers don’t inform the total story, as the way in which the automotive reaches that pace considerably impacts efficiency.
He defined that though some automobiles have larger drag, they’ll attain their high pace faster, the place uncooked energy is crucial, however effectivity additionally performs a vital 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 precise stability between energy and effectivity to optimize the automotive’s efficiency, emphasizing that equality amongst opponents won’t ever be precise.
Concerning 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 situations throughout testing won’t replicate what will likely be skilled throughout race week.
The AF Corse driver recommended that whereas the automotive felt good underneath these situations, translating that into race efficiency stays unsure. Robert Kubica famous that rising temperatures may considerably impression the automotive, notably with rear tire degradation, primarily based on final yr’s expertise.
However, he acknowledged that Ferrari has improved the automotive and gained a greater understanding of its habits, making it an attention-grabbing problem to see how the 499P will carry out underneath hotter situations.
When requested in regards to the competitors heading into the official observe periods, Robert Kubica predicted that LMDh producers equivalent to BMW, Cadillac, Alpine, and Porsche would pose a better problem than final yr’s extra easy duel between Ferrari and Toyota. He noticed that the competitors seems tighter this season, with no less than 5 or 6 producers prone to be very aggressive, particularly in shorter stints.
Robert Kubica defined that efficiency will differ over the 24-hour race relying on situations and race phases. He famous that the LMDh automobiles have made vital progress since final yr, with BMW notably bettering 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 robust discipline of no less than six producers prone to contend for podium finishes.
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