bhallg2k wrote:Given the numerous tweaks made to the outside of the diffuser and testing therof, where the interaction between the tires and airflow under the car is critical to the effectiveness of the exhaust, and the constant back-and-forth testing of various sidepod/exhaust solutions (since Spain), I wonder if it's possible that, like McLaren, Ferrari received shitty wind tunnel tires from Pirelli.
I don't think it is possible (only few teams receiving "bad" tyres while other receive "good"), too much of a conspiracy.
But the scale tyres seem to be "problematic" indeed. Maybe others have better work-arounds.
bhallg2k wrote:That is very much a correlation issue, and it's one that would occur regardless of the wind tunnel used. It's also a problem that might not reveal itself in the initial stages of development of an otherwise strong package during the early rounds of a Championship where competitive balance was almost singularly defined by making best use of tire durability - such was a strength of the early-spec F138.
And that is what I'm also pointing at.
However, it might also be simpler. It might be that early form is entirely due to better tyre understanding and better setup, while the car itself is lacking much. Others could make big gains understanding tyres and adjusting setups, while Ferrari is already at max in that respect. So the upgrades that other teams make maybe give them a tenth or two, while everything else is due to setup, while Ferrari has to make up everything with aero tweaks. Still it is worrying that during last three years the team never managed to produce a mid season upgrade which works as expected.
