De La Rosa optimistic on correlation between car and simulator
Pedro De La Rosa came in action on the first day of testing for Ferrari at Silverstone. The Spaniard proved happy to be in the car, finding good correlation between the car's behaviour and how he experienced it in the simulator.
Ferrrari completed the day testing for Pirelli's 2015 tyres. The team also used the opportunity to check the correlation between the F14 T on track and in the simulator, even though there was no real opportunity to test new performance parts during the tyre test.
Pedro de la Rosa, who shares simulator duties with Andrea Bertolini and Davide Rigon was at the wheel on track. The Spaniard did 49 laps, the fastest in 1.37.988, running with a heavy fuel load. The day came to a premature end because of a loss of coolant and solving the problem put an end to track activity for the day.
It was Pedro’s first time in the F14 T. “I am very happy to be back in the car, because no simulator can compare to actually driving a car on track. It was enjoyable getting to grips with the circuit, as I miss it and miss training in race trim. That aside, I am very pleased with the correlation we saw between the car and the simulator. That is a very important factor, as Formula 1 testing is reduced still further, obliging everyone to do more simulation. Maybe this needs a rethink, not just for the test drivers, who do too little driving, but for the youngsters and for Formula 1 as a whole.”
Today, Pedro was working in tandem with Fernando Alonso, who was running in the Maranello simulator in a reversal of what usually happens over a race weekend. “Fernando as we know is very professional, but I must say it felt a bit strange knowing a world champion was working for me while I was on track at Silverstone.”
