Which Ferrari will we see in Barcelona? The Cavallino team has to react to the Portuguese GP which did not match expectations, with the Red team preceded by the McLaren of the excellent Lando Norris.
There is expectation to know what technical innovations will be introduced on the SF21 at Montmelò, a track that is considered by all to be a test bed for both the chassis, aerodynamics and engine qualities.
It is customary to say that a car that does well on the Catalunya circuit should do just about everywhere, so the Spanish GP can represent an important verification of the McLaren-Ferrari challenge that is worth third place in the Constructors’ World Championship.
The Woking team at Portimao collected a richer tally than that of the Scuderia with Lando Norris, fifth, and Daniel Ricciardo, ninth, while the Ferraris had to be satisfied with Charles Leclerc’s sixth place, while Carlos Sainz remained out of the zone. points for a wicked race strategy.
Will anything change in Barcelona? The Cavallino fans hope so because the seasonal goal of Mattia Binotto, team principal of the Cavallino is precisely to aim for the role of third force in the Circus and Ferrari will have to make sure not to increase the 11 points that separate the Reds from the MCL35. M in the Constructors’ championship.
Ferrari SF21, detail of the modified bottom that will not be used in Spain
Photo by: Giorgio Piola
The SF21 will not have the modified bottom that was seen in the Algarve last week: the two drivers in free practice had alternately tried a solution with six small flow deviators placed in front of the rear wheels, instead of the usual three. The data feedback was positive, but there was only one updated floor specimen, so the solution was not used over the race weekend.
It was reasonable to expect that the novelty would make its debut on both cars in Spain and, instead, it will not. The concept will be repeated at another appointment, but not in Barcelona, where, instead, changes in the rear wing can be observed to increase the load.
It will be the Monte Carlo version that will be tested in free practice and that could also be used in Montmelò after the adoption of the new aerodynamic rules.
The technicians directed by Enrico Cardile have also focused attention on the hydraulically controlled rear suspension: adequate adjustments must be found to prevent the SF21 from going into crisis in tire wear when the asphalt reaches a certain temperature. The 40 degrees of Portimao on the track were such as not to find the grip values recorded in the previous days.
Ferrari is looking for a test of redemption and Carlos Sainz, on his home track, aspires to reap what he has sown in the Maranello team so far…
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