Winter Testing

[Sev]

As far as I can find so far, the best discussion of the winter tests has been in the WSR topic in the N&I SS forum, which seemed decidedly the wrong place.

So, to discuss the results of the past two days of testing:

Because of the mix of what teams are running, I don't think times between teams can be compared at all; only times within teams.

Of note in the past two days has been the competition to take over the seats at Red Bull:

17/11:
1.  Sato           Toro Rosso-Ferrari   (B)  1:20.763  121
2.  Buemi          Toro Rosso-Ferrari   (B)  1:21.071  117

18/11:
1.  Sato           Toro Rosso-Ferrari   (B)  1:20.017   79
2.  Bourdais       Toro Rosso-Ferrari   (B)  1:20.034   48
3.  Buemi          Toro Rosso-Ferrari   (B)  1:20.223   99

Sato is obviously making a good case for himself here, although he's always been quick over a lap. Buemi seems consistently behind, but people seem to get the feeling he already has the seat. Lastly, Bourdais hasn't done himself any harm yet either.

Also to look at, the seat at Honda:

17/11:
1.  Senna          Honda                (B)  1:24.343   39
2.  di Grassi      Honda                (B)  1:25.512   48

18/11:
8.  Button         Honda                (B)  1:21.770  110
10.  di Grassi      Honda                (B)  1:22.283  110

Wurz time on the 17th, and the differences in times between the two days cannot be directly compared, since they are set using different versions of the car.

Lastly, Van der Garde has been fairly poor, consistently behind Piquet in (afaik) the same car.

[Super Hans]

Originally Posted by Sev

Because of the mix of what teams are running, I don't think times between teams can be compared at all; only times within teams.

Even times within teams can be inaccurate, as Driver A could be testing completely different components to Driver B.

[Down F0rce]

I'd like to know what this is for...

http://images.gpupdate.net/large/115865.jpg

Clearly an air intake of some sort, but what for? The KERS system maybe?

[Sev]

Originally Posted by Super Hans

Even times within teams can be inaccurate, as Driver A could be testing completely different components to Driver B.

Yes, although using both trackside reports and photo's you can generally work out at least the basics of whats going on.

[Naruto]

Originally Posted by Down F0rce

I'd like to know what this is for...

http://images.gpupdate.net/large/115865.jpg

Clearly an air intake of some sort, but what for? The KERS system maybe?

Is that ok to have in 09??

[Cougar]

Originally Posted by Down F0rce

I'd like to know what this is for...

http://images.gpupdate.net/large/115865.jpg

Clearly an air intake of some sort, but what for? The KERS system maybe?

It is for the steam paddle they will use next year?

[f-lot]

Originally Posted by Sev

Lastly, Van der Garde has been fairly poor, consistently behind Piquet in (afaik) the same car.

The dutch site http://www.f1today.nl has quoted van der garde as saying:

"This test should really be seen as a gift. You can see that from the opportunities the team offers me. For example, there is no possibility to take on less fuel, change settings or adapt the positions of the wings. Moreover, we're driving the car from last season in a 2009 configuration, so with little down force and slicks. Also, we have short gear ratios. The engine is running high in the 18 thousand rpm and then you get to 310 km/h. And I already am at that speed after half of the straight. A lot more would be possible, but under the current circumstances, you can not do anything about it. I'm not here to distinguished myself from the rest of the drivers. "

I also recall reading somewhere, that at least the throttle setting/position is Piquets, who has a different drivingstyle.

This puts me under the impression that Renault aren't giving him a fair chance, they are just doing this because he is entitled to it by winning the WSbR 2008.

Then again, he was in their driver development program and they dropped him, plus he's a McLaren young driver now. So politics could also be at play here.

[ivanalesi]

I think Giedo is lucky, Parente got to test alone and Alx made shakedown! I remember Kubica tested with other drivers, but I don't think he was very impressive and the guy turned out to be quite impressive I guess they do it just for marketing WSbR.
Briatore hates to unsettle the ship, he's got Alonso, Piquet, di Grassi and Grosjean all lined up and all with much more marketing appeal than Giedo. He now needs to win GP2 or at least be very impressive.

[Marbot]

Possibly posted elsewhere (internet probs).Don't open the link if you've just eaten.

http://f1.gpupdate.net/en/news/2008/...g-f1-car-ever/

[Kai]

Originally Posted by ivanalesi

I remember Kubica tested with other drivers, but I don't think he was very impressive and the guy turned out to be quite impressive

Actually, when Kubica tested for Renault after winning WSR he was faster than Montagny, their current tester at the time.

[williamsf1]

senna only a few tenths off button today.... and quicker than di grassi....

I hope senna gets a go with torro rosso to test him against sato and seb....

do redbull have an obsession with the name seb????

they have had this week 4 seb's in a redbull car!!!!

loeb was rather fast for just a "fun" drive.....