European GP from the iSport F1 Pitstop: Ferrari will be a force to reckon with at the European GP in Valencia where they also introduce their low mounted exhaust system writes iSporter Maharshi Vaishnav.
The Formula 1 jamboree is back in its favorite playground Europe and Ferrari seems to be ushering a lot of good news along the way. I was quite impressed with Ferrari’s pace throughout the Canadian F1 GP weekend which resulted in a podium. It is expected that they will carry the pace in Valencia – another street circuit pretty much like Monaco.
However, there are some more developments that may pave the way for a good Ferrari showing in the second half of the season. Pat Fry, the former Chief Engineer of McLaren (who had recently quit) will be joining Ferrari from the 1st of July. Fry is a 24 years veteran in Formula 1 having spent a chunk of his time at McLaren and the rest at Benetton. He was responsible for some of the best chassis at McLaren; namely the MP4-20/22/24. According to the official Ferrari communiqué Pat Fry will join Ferrari’s Technical Department as the Assistant Technical Director and will report directly to Aldo Costa.
It is well documented that the resurrection of Ferrari has been only thanks to a combination of German (Schumi), French (Todt), British (Brawn) and South African (Bryne) talents. It is heartening to know that Luca di Montezemolo, who is well acclaimed to be an Italophile, has decided to bring in a non-Italian.
The other piece of optimism is the inclusion of the now envied Red Bull styled low mounted exhaust system that will provide Ferrari with superior straight line speeds. It has been a common belief that Red Bull’s low exhaust is the reason why they are virtually untouchable as far as sheer speeds is concerned. This revised exhaust would in all likelihood improve its aero package’s efficiency.
Ferrari’s form on the western side of the Atlantic was inspiring with Alonso finishing 3rd. This form is expected to improve with Fry coming on board and with the new aero update. 15 points separate Alonso and the Driver’s Championship leader Hamilton and 50 points is the gap between Ferrari & the Constructor’s Championship leader McLaren. With just about half the season still left and more points up for grabs, Ferrari can claim resurgence.
On the driver’s front Fernando Alonso needs to manage the back markers better and Felipe Massa needs to be more consistent. If these get taken care of, then it is imperative that scarlet fever will take over Europe.
Subscribe to this comment's feed
Show/hide comments
Show/hide comment form
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
