henry wrote:I wonder who specified the downforce levels for the test cars?
The teams won't want to reveal how much downforce they expect to generate under the new regulations. So if they have been asked they will have suggested a figure at the low end of what they think is possible. And then implemented some modifications to achieve that.
This would result in Pirelli having to estimate how the tyres might perform with the "real", higher, levels of downforce the teams really expect to achieve.
Maybe Pirelli have set the figures based on what the FIA , strategy group, teams etc have told them. In which case I would hope they will have added a project managers' contingency to any values they've been given.
It's not easy being a supplier to a sport where competitive dissembling is a fundamental skill.
They covered this in the team principles conference. 3 teams are supplying old 2015 'mule' cars for 2017 modification (Redbull, Merc and Ferrari) all the data of those tests will be available to all teams.
I don't think they are looking at team specifics. I think they are looking at the teams and Pirelli getting a baseline so everyone knows where they are.
I have a feeling that looking at the tyres and the fact that the engines aren't changing much that the tyres will out perform the cars next year anyway.