F1 News
Preview: What can we expect from week two of F1 testing in Barcelona?
The second week of Formula 1 testing is upon us. The teams have had a week to analyse all the data they recorded from the first week and will hope to utilise the recordings in a positive way. This week we should see more power and performance as we edge closer to the Australian Grand Prix.
More smooth running?
Remarkably, we saw almost two full-days of testing without a red flag last week. It took 15 hours of on-track action before the red flags were dropped for the very first time. The cars were super reliable. This resulted in some mega lap counts, including Max Verstappen who clocked his counter up to 168 on the opening day. Over 2.5 Grands Prix at the same venue.
The reliability checks would now have been completed and teams will fine-tune even more during the second week in the hope of finding some extra pace now they know everything works.
A second Ferrari car?
Last year, Ferrari ruled the waves with what was a very impressive pre-season challenger. This year, however, they've got concerns. Not only did Sebastian Vettel's engine break down, but they also found themselves near the bottom of the timesheets. Is this some Mercedes inspired sandbagging? Will Ferrari bring a second car to testing this week like Mercedes did last year?
Ferrari recorded 140 laps less than their rivals last week, virtually a day less. There's already playing catch-up to Mercedes and the body language of Vettel and Mattia Binnoto would suggest that they've not got any tricks up their sleeves. A lot of hard work is required to ensure they don't fall behind Aston Martin Red Bull Racing and instead stay in touch with Mercedes.
Williams gains
Williams made a point last week of being the first team onto the track in 2020. They were proud of being out on time after a troublesome year. George Russell managed to beat his qualifying lap time at the same venue from the Spanish Grand Prix on the first day. While it's clearly not a front runner, it seems as if Williams have got enough to at least throw a challenge to the midfield teams.
Will we see more gains this week? Maybe the shackles will come off and they find a few more tenths here and there. But one thing to look out for is the body language of the team.
