2014 Pre-Season Testing

Anyone been watching the testing round ups and Ted's notebook on Sky?

I don't know if it is just the footage they have recorded, but everyone looks like they are on an in-lap/out-lap at the moment. I think they are just struggling to get their cars working, nevermind for a full race distance or even thinking about performance or set up yet. They'll do well to be able to do that before Melbourne, especially the Renault teams who have hardly done any running yet.

I think the cars sound quite "nice" although not as loud or exciting as before; but I do think it was time for a change. It's right that F1 should be pushing the boundaries of technology and moving with the times. The piece they did with the Renault guy last night was quite interesting.

I agree with your post RS, although I read that Kimi did try several different setups yesterday.
Alonso is off to a cracking start today :

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09:06 Alonso brings that seven-lap stint to a close. He lowered the benchmark several times, eventually getting down to a 1m26.321s.

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Ricciardo makes his debut in the RB10… a minute later he's stopped and it's smoking.

Renault have big issues at the moment. At this rate, Lotus missing the first test isn't quite as bad as it could have been. Even if they'd have showed up, it's unlikely they'd have got much running in anyway.

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Originally Posted by minardi

At this rate, Lotus missing the first test isn't quite as bad as it could have been. Even if they'd have showed up, it's unlikely they'd have got much running in anyway.

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Yes, maybe they knew what was coming.

There is a couple of weeks break until the next test after this one which will give Renault a breather to hopefully sort out their problems.

The Renault problems seem to be affecting Red Bull more than the other Renault teams though, Torro Rosso have done 22 laps today (although 20s off the pace)

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Originally Posted by RS

The Renault problems seem to be affecting Red Bull more than the other Renault teams though, Torro Rosso have done 22 laps today (although 20s off the pace)

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Spot on. From Autosport...

Our technical expert GARY ANDERSON analysed Red Bull's situation after Daniel Ricciardo's truncated debut earlier today, and revealed there are paddock whispers about Renault raising eyebrows at Red Bull's electronics installation:

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Originally Posted by RS

The Renault problems seem to be affecting Red Bull more than the other Renault teams

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Or is it the other way around?

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AUTOSPORT's F1 technical expert Gary Anderson looks at the problems the world champion squad is having.

The reason for the stoppage hasn't yet emerged, but this is worrying for Red Bull given that the new RB10 has managed a grand total of 11 complete laps in two-and-a-half days.

The technical rumour mill in the paddock suggests that Renault is less than pleased with Red Bull's installation of the control electronics in its 2014 car.

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It is starting to appear that they have both cocked up.

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Tobias Grüner F1 ?@tgruener 38 Sek. Helmut Marko: "The latest problem has nothing to do with the power unit. It's in our own responsibility.".

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:grenade:

Is this the year Adrian Newey shoots his team in the foot again - like he did that year when at McLaren where they had to design and build a new car at the start of the season?

Its looking bad at the moment for Red Bull, but I would still be cautious about writing them off. Remember was it 2012 and the first half of the championship was average, before coming strong and winning the title.

Also this is what Pre Season is for, its a long way from doom. By the time the season roles round they could be in great shape.

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Originally Posted by SGWilko

Is this the year Adrian Newey shoots his team in the foot again - like he did that year when at McLaren where they had to design and build a new car at the start of the season?

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One can always hope! :devil:

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Originally Posted by steveaki13

Its looking bad at the moment for Red Bull, but I would still be cautious about writing them off. Remember was it 2012 and the first half of the championship was average, before coming strong and winning the title.

Also this is what Pre Season is for, its a long way from doom. By the time the season roles round they could be in great shape.

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Point is, there is so much to learn. Cooling v aero trade off - you cant run optimal aero until you know your cooling needs when running the car at full chat using all the motors etc that all create heat. The Red Bull cannot even complete a slow lap, let alone run reliably. This puts everything back!

Then, they need to work on strategy, working out how much you can lean on the ers (H & K) to eek out maximum mpg against best laptime.

Still, it's still early doors, but its quite ominous, init tho????