timbo wrote:Seen the report that 666 passed crash-test.
Does anyone else think that crash test news come unusually early this season (not only Ferrari but others too)?
Not really these days. With the build programme of a V8 era chassis it was about 16 weeks from sign off to fire up, these new V6 era chassis the mechanics have requested an extra 2 weeks in order to get the chassis built and fired up before the car hits a track. This means the sign off is now no longer mid September (week after Monza usually) but late August/early September (Week between Spa & Monza) in order to maximise the time the chassis has in the race bays to get all its looms and gubbins installed as the V6s have so much to install, also the fact there is also a little more to install in the car when manufacturing the car now like the leg protection panels.
The earlier you sign off the chassis the earlier you can start making advantages. However the downside is that the chassis may have flaws in it that can't be designed out, like pull rod front suspension for instance. Id say its worth the risk as you can then work on better aero in other areas, that could be better for the car.