F1 2019 Pre-Season Testing Thread

[Capharol]

If Toro Rosso can get into the 1:16's this easily, I'm confident that the Red Bull will be very close to Ferrari and Mercedes but they are still a bit behind them in term of pace I'm afraid.

probably on the long run but the different isn't that much as suggested during these testing days, I'm guessing the difference (between the 3 top drivers) will be between 0.2-0.5 on the long run

[GPR-A]

I personally feel, there was no need for Mercedes to have those show boating runs! The script was looking great up until that point and they sort of spoiled it with an unconventional approach.

[turbof1]

as for low top speed: no one considering the possibility that with new rule the mercedes unique low rake design causes a drag issue?

could be, they cant duck
Bigger wing bigger penalty on the straights

If you run the full wing, then yes. However, in reality they'll just trim to down. It has a bigger aspect ratio compared to last year, which makes it having a better lift to drag ratio.

[mkay]

I personally feel, there was no need for Mercedes to have those show boating runs! The script was looking great up until that point and they sort of spoiled it with an unconventional approach.

Those runs mean squat, though. It's easy to sandbag with PU mode/fuel, etc. on 1-lap. Race sims is where it's at and there Ferrari/Vettel are sitting pretty.

[Jolle]

as for low top speed: no one considering the possibility that with new rule the mercedes unique low rake design causes a drag issue?

could be, they cant duck
Bigger wing bigger penalty on the straights

I think it's less draggy potentially. They still have the rear of the car very low when running down the straight as they run quite a soft rear.

In times of active suspension, Williams had a button on the wheel to drop the rear on straights to maximise top speed. So, less rake is less drag (if you can extract the same amount of downforce from the floor of course). The Mercedes has a bigger floor, so generates more downforce with it.

[ferkan]

Vettel had 23.0 in S3 in another run, but he is generally very weak in S3 in Barcelona, especially compared to Lewis. His race sim (until red flag) destroyed ones from Merc and Max though (stint 1 and 2 that is).

[GPR-A]

Race sims is where it's at and there Ferrari/Vettel are sitting pretty.

This, was exactly the kind of conclusion that Mercedes should have left with quali run also!

[Phil]

I personally feel, there was no need for Mercedes to have those show boating runs! The script was looking great up until that point and they sort of spoiled it with an unconventional approach.

I'm fairly confident, with or without those runs, the teams themselves have quite a clear indication on the relative current pecking order. I think it was important for Mercedes to do those runs, given the importance on maximizing performance on these tires and get a feel for them. Therefore, I wouldn't call it show boating, but gathering intel.

[digitalrurouni]

I don't think I want F1 to be based on cars that are unreliable. It dilutes and pollutes the championship fight. Same problem I have with gearbox penalties. That should affect the team championship not the driver's championship. I want the drivers to be able to fight balls to the wall which yeah in MotoGP they are able to achieve despite them also being restricted on fuel and also having to save tires even more so now with the Michelins. I am more curious to see if the cars can follow each other during a race! Can't wait for Melbourne...though I say that every year!!

[siskue2005]

Vettel had 23.0 in S3 in another run, but he is generally very weak in S3 in Barcelona, especially compared to Lewis. His race sim (until red flag) destroyed ones from Merc and Max though (stint 1 and 2 that is).

A 23.0 in s3??
The official live timings is showing a 26.124 as his fastest sector 3 time

[FrukostScones]

as for low top speed: no one considering the possibility that with new rule the mercedes unique low rake design causes a drag issue?

could be, they cant duck
Bigger wing bigger penalty on the straights

I think it's less draggy potentially. They still have the rear of the car very low when running down the straight as they run quite a soft rear.

but the angle doesnt change

[Alexgtt]

I personally feel, there was no need for Mercedes to have those show boating runs! The script was looking great up until that point and they sort of spoiled it with an unconventional approach.

I don't think so at all. No team has shown full hand yet. Merc just doing their programme, say Ferrari are ahead, get in their heads. Times mean nearly nothing. How easily they are getting those times? Now that's the question. I firmly believe the engine modes are still down in respect of full lap pace, both Ferrari and Merc.

[dans79]

Race sims is where it's at and there Ferrari/Vettel are sitting pretty.

Not from what I have seen.

[siskue2005]

I personally feel, there was no need for Mercedes to have those show boating runs! The script was looking great up until that point and they sort of spoiled it with an unconventional approach.

Those runs mean squat, though. It's easy to sandbag with PU mode/fuel, etc. on 1-lap. Race sims is where it's at and there Ferrari/Vettel are sitting pretty.

So people can only sandbag in qualy sims but not in race sims?

[mkay]

Race sims is where it's at and there Ferrari/Vettel are sitting pretty.

Not from what I have seen.

What have you seen?