Ferrari ran with Lewis Hamilton yesterday morning on the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona, following a program largely much like what was began on Tuesday afternoon. Nonetheless driving the SF-23 single-seater, the Brit continued his private studying curve with the Prancing Horse. Loads of work targeted on dealing with, supported by prior expertise within the Maranello simulator. The automotive’s setup was adjusted a number of occasions—an fascinating method to understanding the automotive’s limits and testing the motive force’s response to varied modifications.
An analysis of the hybrid system’s overboost administration was additionally carried out. As we all know, Ferrari makes use of a particular mapping referred to as K2, sometimes activated at race begins or after a restart following a double yellow flag with the Security Automotive on observe. This mode permits the Maranello group to handle how the power recovered from the motor-generators is distributed alongside the inner combustion engine’s energy. This process isn’t standardized, as it’s adjusted based mostly on the observe format the place the automotive is competing.
Typically, this further power is used for a few quarter of a lap earlier than switching again to the usual race mode. Lewis Hamilton familiarized himself with this significant side, the place the motive force performs a major function in selecting the power deployment proportion. That is often practiced within the first free apply classes of a race weekend. The identical applies to K1 and K1 Plus modes, the place the motive force’s enter is vital in offering suggestions to the pit wall and validating or adjusting preselected setups examined within the simulator.
In the direction of the tip of what appeared to be his ultimate stint of the day, Lewis Hamilton had his first crash whereas driving the Ferrari. Fortuitously, in accordance with the stewards, it was a minor incident. Based mostly on data gathered and reported by the Italian media, automotive quantity 44 misplaced rear grip within the third sector of the Catalan circuit. The Briton tried to regain management however was unable to keep away from contact. Whereas not extreme, the affect nonetheless prompted some injury to the Italian automotive—nothing irreparable, fortuitously.
Lewis Hamilton is okay, with no penalties from the incident. He was reportedly fairly dissatisfied for 2 causes. First, he needed to minimize his take a look at quick. Second, the British driver felt dangerous for his teammate, as the 2 Ferrari drivers are sharing the one accessible automotive in Barcelona. Nevertheless, Ferrari mechanics are already working to revive the automotive and regulate it for Charles Leclerc, altering the seat, pedal measurements, and a part of the setup.
Regardless of the delay within the schedule, Charles Leclerc ought to nonetheless be capable to full his take a look at program subsequent week on the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona. At this time, nevertheless, Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc will not be driving the Ferrari. As a substitute, Italian Antonio Giovinazzi and Swedish academy driver Dino Beganovic are anticipated to take the wheel. The Italian group has chosen to save lots of the ultimate take a look at day for his or her most important drivers, intending to make use of it later below completely different circumstances, assured they’ve gathered enough knowledge.