The first 2019 F1 preseason test was over. The test, which was held on February 18-21, holds a myriad of interesting things to discuss. This test itself is a routine F1 agenda before the new season runs. It is held every mid-February and is divided into two tests, with four days on each test.
The test itself is also called a winter test by some people because it is indeed held in winter. In this winter test, teams besides showing their flagship “weapon” to wade through the new season, this test is also a means of preparation to face competition in F1 throughout the full season.
The team will be busy with the programs that must be done in the test, such as data collection (aerodynamics, tires, fuel, etc.), trial settings, racing simulations, qualification simulations, and much more.
Okay, let’s discuss a bit about the first part of the 2019 F1 preseason test yesterday. Starting from something that has always been a concern for every pre-season test held: Ferrari and Mercedes. Ferrari has a reputation as a team that always looks strong and convincing on preseason tests.
As if giving high hopes to tifosi – the name of Ferrari fans – in the world: This year, our year. However, in the end it ended in the slogan that appeared at the end of the season: next year, our year.
How about this season? Yes, Ferrari looks very strong. For those who take part in F1 for a long time, they certainly understand if this is very common if Ferrari is strong in preseason. But, to be honest with their new weapon, SF90, they really look strong and very convincing.
In the first two days of the test, Sebastian Vettel and Charles Leclerc successfully topped the time. Even though in the last two days they have not topped the acquisition of time, they are still impressive.
In total, SF90 has eaten 598 rounds throughout the four test days. In fact, if it’s totaled with Alfa Romeo and Haas teams who both use Ferrari engines, they have already gotten more than 1000 laps. Describing that Ferrari’s reliability is quite good.
Not to mention the two drivers who felt that the SF90 was very comfortable to drive, there were no problems at all and they did all the test programs smoothly. Their car is quite stable when passing the curb of the Catalunya circuit, especially in the last chicane. You could say, the most stable car.
Turn to the incumbent team, Mercedes. As always, Mercedes always appears on pre-season tests with a one-word picture: normal. Yes, they always hide their strength during pre-season tests.
Instead of focusing on the acquisition of time, they focus more on long run, get as many rounds as possible, take as much data as possible and try changing the settings on the car.
Even so, on the last day of the test they began to show their true pace. Valtteri Bottas and Lewis Hamilton ended the test in the top five in time, above Ferrari.
Although their test looks smooth, they still have problems with their W10 cars. The W10 car still has problems on the corner. Bottas said that the car still feels less stable at corners, especially at the rear of the car.
From the battle of incumbents against the opposition camp, we turn to the bullying camp which has the potential to become an additional axis in the competition for world championship titles in F1, Red Bull with its Honda engine.
We know, Honda is still labeled as the most frequently “blow up” engine in F1. Thank you for three years together with Mclaren. A dark era for both.
However, since last season, precisely since breaking up from McLaren and having a new relationship with Toro Rosso, they have really improved. One of the most visible changes is the reliability of Honda engines that are currently very good.
Evidently, on this pre-season test they have collected 475 rounds. And in total when combined with Toro Rosso, Honda engines have circled the Catalunya circuit as many as 957 rounds without any problems.
And they also look convincing in matters of power and speed. Honda’s engine speedtrap is second fastest. Red Bull has arguably shown no actual speed, because in this test they don’t focus on getting time.
Both of their drivers were compact in praise of the Honda engines and the team that worked very well. In fact, they claim that this is their best pre-season test throughout the Red Bull team’s career.
In contrast to Red Bull, their team of brothers, Toro Rosso, looks very striking in matters of time. Both of their drivers, Alexander Albon and Daniil Kvyat became the second and third fastest drivers during this preseason test.
Kvyat topped the record on the third day of the test, while Albon took second place.
ASL
