After just one day of testing in Bahrain, it’s still difficult to have an idea of a hierarchy in the Formula 1 paddock for this year. So, it’s a given that there is an air of caution within Scuderia Ferrari and Deputy Chief Designer Simone Resta chooses his words carefully. “I think it is still too early to say just how satisfied we are, as we are still learning how the F14 T behaves in various situations and we are trying to gather as much data as possible. One thing we are focusing on at this test is how the new power train is working and its interaction with the driver. Every new component is being watched carefully, such as the brake by wire system and all the software linked to the car, both of which we have worked on a great deal over the past two weeks.”
Therefore, chasing performance has not been on the job list. “That will be the next step,” continued Resta. “Now we just want to rack up the kilometres. The final updates for the Australian Grand Prix will arrive at the next test here in Bahrain and that’s when we will also start trying to get the performance out of the car. Having said that, making a comparison with last year’s car is worthwhile only up to a certain point. Everyone is talking about the engines, but there are two other elements to take into consideration: the new rules mean we have less aerodynamic downforce and the weight of the car has increased.”
One of the current topics is overheating, something several teams are suffering with. Ferrari made the most of the rule changes to go for amajor change, which Resta explained: “ The fact we had to change the power unit allowed us to modify the entire package, on which we have worked very hard, investing a lot. But best not to commit the sin of arrogance in believing we have an advantage.”
