F1 – Ferrari: Stay, “We are discovering the F14 T”

After the first day of testing in Bahrain it is still difficult to understand what the values ​​on the field actually are in Formula 1 in 2014. It is therefore obvious that caution will also prevail within the Scuderia Ferrari. The words of Deputy Chief Designer Simone Resta are prudent: “I think it is still too early to be able to say whether we are satisfied or not, we are learning how the F14 T behaves in various situations and we are trying to accumulate as much data as possible. One of the focuses of this test is to observe how the new power train works and how it interfaces with the driver. Every new component is under observation, such as the brake by wire braking system, as well as all the software connected to the car on which we have worked a lot in the last two weeks."

Therefore, there is no search for absolute performance: “That is a subsequent phase of the work” – continues Resta – “Now we are interested in covering kilometres. The latest updates in view of the Australian Grand Prix will arrive for the next test here in Bahrain, it will be then that we will also research the car's performance. Having said that, drawing a comparison with last year's cars makes sense up to a certain point. Everyone talks about the engine, but there are two other elements to take into consideration: with the new regulations we have less aerodynamic load and the weight of the cars has increased."

One of the current issues is overheating, a problem that many teams are suffering from. At Ferrari they took advantage of the change in regulations for a sort of revolution. Resta explains: “The fact that we had to change the engine allowed us to modify the entire package, we worked hard on it and invested in it. However, it is better not to sin with pride and believe that one has the advantage."