Ferrari spotted in Imola for private test: Power unit with new updates?

After the triple-header, the teams now have two weeks of rest before Formula 1 travels to Sochi for the Russian Grand Prix. However, some teams are still busy testing their cars.

Indeed, today Ferrari are holding a private test at the Imola circuit with their 2018 SF71-H. Both Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz are present and both drivers drove a few laps today. According to the rules, Formula 1 teams are allowed to test with cars that are at least two years old. For many, the test came as a surprise.

Ferrari suffered a blow after adjustments to the guidelines by the FIA caused the engine to lose power. The changes came after protests from other teams about this engine. Since then the team has struggled to keep up with Mercedes and Red Bull Racing.

A theory according to Soymotor.com is that Ferrari is investigating the aerodynamic data of the wings at Imola. There would be a problem with the correlation between the data in the simulator and the actual data on the track. Although there is a ban on testing with the current F1 cars, it is not clear if this also applies to the engines. In any case, there is a suspicion that the power unit used by Ferrari today contains new updates.