via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Saudi Arabian Grand Prix – Jeddah Corniche Circuit, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – March 18, 2023 Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc during practice REUTERS/Ahmed Yosri
via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Saudi Arabian Grand Prix – Jeddah Corniche Circuit, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – March 18, 2023 Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc during practice REUTERS/Ahmed Yosri
The new tire-linked format for the Hungarian GP weekend has thrown a curveball at the teams, but one man is standing fast and unfazed, Charles Leclerc; embracing the challenge with a sense of optimism. The Friday free practice in Budapest saw the teams grappling with the new format and has led each team down a different path, making it challenging to gauge the real values on the pitch. However, Leclerc’s post-practice comments hint at a sense of satisfaction and anticipation.
Leclerc was not one to rest on his laurels after clocking the best time in the first free practice. His confidence in the car and the work done by Ferrari suggest a positive outlook for the upcoming race. The new format, while challenging, has not deterred Ferrari’s spirit. Instead, it has provided an opportunity for the team to adapt and grow.
via Imago
55 Carlos Sainz ESP, Scuderia Ferrari, 16 Charles Leclerc MCO, Scuderia Ferrari, F1 Grand Prix of Great Britain at Silverstone Circuit on July 6, 2023, in Silverstone, Great Britain Photo by HOCH ZWEI Silverstone Great Britain
“It was a good day even if it’s difficult to understand what the real values are on the pitch since with this new format linked to the tires each team has followed a different programme,” Leclerc told Gazzetta. Showing relentless optimism has been working for Leclerc and even the new format could be a small challenge for the Monagesque.
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Leclerc was quickest in the second free practice session for the Hungarian Grand Prix, clocking in at 1’17”696 on Softs. For the rest of the session, both drivers focussed on getting feedback from the car, gathering substantial insight. “As far as we are concerned, we have completed the work we had planned and the sensations in the car are good, so we look with confidence at what we can bring home tomorrow,” he expanded.
As Leclerc and Ferrari navigate the new format’s challenges, they also find themselves in a position of growing confidence.
The Tire Format Twist: A New Challenge or a Hidden Opportunity for Charles Leclerc and Co.
In a bid to promote sustainability, the Budapest race will see a modified tire allocation. Each vehicle will be provided with just 11 sets of Pirelli tires, a departure from the standard 13. This change compels teams to use the Hard tire in Q1, the Medium tire in Q2, and the Soft tire in Q3, adding a new layer of complexity to the race.
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Tire info for Hungarian GP
Qualifying format will be something like this , only if it doesn't rain –
Q1: Hard tire Q2: Medium tire Q3: Soft tire#F1 #Formula1 #HungarianGP pic.twitter.com/XyPnFNr8c6— Everything Racing (@Everythingracin) July 19, 2023
In the current season, Ferrari has been grappling with substantial hurdles in the realm of tire degradation. The degradation often has resulted in subpar tire wear management and a gradually lighter car, complicating handling as the race unfolds. Even though a significant upgrade was rolled out at the Spanish Grand Prix, the issue of tire degradation remains unresolved. But with the revised format, Ferrari could find an edge in the qualifying session to better their odds at a good grid position for Sunday.
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As the Hungarian Grand Prix approaches, Leclerc’s optimism and Ferrari’s rising confidence paint a promising picture. The new format may have introduced new challenges, but it has also brought out the resilience and adaptability of the teams.
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