2020 Winter Testing Two

[Nitrodaze]

The next three days of winter testing is upon us. Mercedes go into this test with a grin on their faces, Redbull with a look of content but l am sure with a quiet worry of Mercedes and their Trombone steering. And Ferrari will go into this test without the opportunity of exploring the full potential of the performance characteristics of the new SF1000 in Testing One. They look worried as the pre-testing rumours turned out to be true.

It would be a mistake to write off Ferrari, since Haas who run the Ferrari engine registered the fastest straight line speed; over 300km/hr. Which would suggest that Ferrari probably still has the fastest engine in the paddock. Which may be a real worry for Mercedes and Redbull. The question really is, what would the Ferrari chassis be like when they get round whatever is giving them headache at the moment? Would the new chassis combined with their super fast engine bring them ahead of or on level terms with Mercedes?

If Mercedes get another early run of wins, chances are Ferrari shall be playing catchup. It becomes a development war to the finish line in Abu Dhabi. We all know who has won the development war over the last six years, yes Mercedes.

Testing two shall be very revealing of the actual pecking order for the start of the season. Being a short three days event, there is nowhere to hide. Sand bagging is useless. They all have to find out where they really stand in the pecking order before heading out to Melborne.

The midfield is going to be electrifying this season. Mclaren are going to have their hands full with Racing point. It is unclear how Haas would do this season, but they are looking quick. And Renault is looking like a dark horse. The fight for fourth shall be a very interest spectacle all through the season. I can see the lead for fourth, chopping and changing throughout the season as each team's strenght play out in their favour at various circuits and racing conditions; rain etc.