2015 Pre-season Testing

[mrluke]

I'm not sure what you guys are debating about really. In some form or another, I would expect Mercedes to be testing the limits of their engine within the car. That they may not have done this during the races, because they never needed to, is logical, although I wonder how much using the "overtaking button" enhances the mapping relative to how much power is available to them, irrespective what strat mode they were using at the time.

What is clear is that full engine power does not equal best lap time. They could be testing all kinds of engine modes in a way that is it less obvious to other teams during the test.

+1

If they don't test the engine to its limits it will handicap their development work and increase the chances of the other manufacturers catching up.

[dren]

They were focusing their testing on reliability.

[NathanOlder]

Merc never used strat 1 As if you had it confirmed 100%. Speculation all round.

I've got onboards from all races in 2014 and can say with confidence they in fact didn't. Even speed trap data from some races suggests they didn't. Brazil for example, even with slipstream some cars were unable to surpass their quali speed trap. Ok, I admit, I don't have it 100% (obviously), same as Jonny.

Using speed trap data means nothing, in qualy they use new tyres and light car, and in a regular race no cars get this luxury. And i doubt you have studied around 2100 laps to check they never used strat 1. Im not saying they ever did use strat 1, but you talk to people and tell them they couldn't possibly know that their answers are fact, when its not any different to when you state "facts"

[Phil]

They were focusing their testing on reliability.

Reliability, yes, but key information is how reliable can it run at how much of the power over which duration. That Honda wasn't testing full power modes makes sense, because they were running short on laps and testing is not only about testing their PU package, but also other parts of the car - which is precisely why getting the laps done is important during these tests.

Mercedes and the other teams are in a different position however; they have a full year of racing experience, so they already have a known quantity (last years car) - which means the test is more predictable to them. They can safely run closer to the engines limit while focusing on reliability and gathering lots of data. No one is suggesting they are running above what the engine is capable of - but it would be foolish to think they have done all these miles with a very solid running car without at least scratching the surface of what they'd expect the engine to cope with during actual races. This however doesn't mean that they were chasing lap times, or that they would be doing this while doing actual race-simulations - but perhaps only in some sectors, or at significantly higher fuel loads to throw off competiton because being at the top of the testing time sheet is not something they [Mercedes] need, or want right now - especially with talks over the future of the sport in regards to engine development etc.

[irang]

http://f1-insider.com/formel-1-wehrlein ... ia-debuet/

It says Pascal Wehrlein will drive for Force India for all 4 days of the first Barcelona test. Allegedly FI couldn't pay the bill and by giving the drive to the Mercedes reserve driver they get the power unit for the test.

[BanMeToo]

hmm. Well that's better than missing the Barcelona 1 entirely.

[SilverArrow10]

And pretty fantastic for that young man. A four day F1 test is something a young driver can only dream of these days.

[NathanOlder]

Are many people attending this test? I am taking my Wife to Spain to see this one. First time I will be going to a test. Can't wait

[George-Jung]

Are many people attending this test? I am taking my Wife to Spain to see this one. First time I will be going to a test. Can't wait

It will also be a good test for your relationship with your wife..
If she doesn't start to complain... than she is a 'keeper'.. =D>

[PhillipM]

Yet.

[PABLOEING]

Filming day today in BCN.....

[GoranF1]

Filming day today in BCN.....

[Mandrake]

Well, with her being his wife already it is a bit late to start thinking about that

[NathanOlder]

I will keep you updated

[jericho]

Another tough day:
http://translate.google.com/translate?u ... n&ie=UTF-8