185 replies to this topic

[Jackmancer]

A rumour I caught up on Twitter:

 

Red Bull, Mercedes and Ferrari will 2014 Pirelli tyres in Bahrain from 17 to 19th December.

 

 

All data will be available to the other teams.

 

Source: https://twitter.com/...597240371257345 (Olav Mol is a reliable Dutch commentator on F1)

 

[EthanM]

it's a story that started in Italy, carried by both LGdS and Autosprint, with Autosprint saying that the test was also offered to Lotus but they declined to attend due to lack of funds

 

http://autosprint.co...tre-team/11998/

Edited by EthanM, 02 December 2013 - 22:14.

[jrg19]

No McLaren?

 

Any rules on drivers?

[EthanM]

No McLaren?

 

Any rules on drivers?

 

the italians say the test will be run on 2013 cars so I doubt there will be a restriction on drivers

[Avastrol]

No McLaren?

 

Any rules on drivers?

 

No dogs allowed in the test, I heard.

[DanardiF1]

No McLaren?

 

Any rules on drivers?

 

McLaren tested with Kevin Magnussen last month at Vallelunga for Pirelli.

Edited by DanardiF1, 03 December 2013 - 00:10.

[bourbon]

Interesting. 

[Mc_Silver]

Where is McLaren? 

[sabjit]

No dogs allowed in the test, I heard.

 

No Roscoe

 

 

Where is McLaren? 

 

McLaren tested with Kevin Magnussen last month at Vallelunga for Pirelli.

[Mc_Silver]

McLaren tested with Kevin Magnussen last month at Vallelunga for Pirelli.

 

Red Bull, Ferrari and Mercedes have already done their tyre testings for Pirelli during the season. McLaren did theirs a little bit later than actually planned because of protests made from the teams. 

[Jackmancer]

The reasoning of Pirelli is that these three teams have finished in the top three of the constructors championship. The test seems very likely now.

[Timstr11]

The reasoning of Pirelli is that these three teams have finished in the top three of the constructors championship. The test seems very likely now.

That can't be a reason and it's not for Pirelli to decide. 

 

I think it's rather about teams who have not sampled the latest development tyre spec AND who have the financial means to attend.

McLaren has the financial means, but have recent experience of the latest spec (Vallelunga test).  

I also read it is pending the approval of other teams.

[Timstr11]

Red Bull, Ferrari and Mercedes have already done their tyre testings for Pirelli during the season. McLaren did theirs a little bit later than actually planned because of protests made from the teams. 

If Pirelli are worth anything, you would expect they have developed the tyres further and that the tyres tested in March are not the same as the tyres available to test now.

[Markn93]

December Pirelli Test, set for Bahrain http://www.autosport...t.php/id/111797 presumably 2013 cars? Perhaps a chance to see some new bits though. 

Edited by Markn93, 09 December 2013 - 19:05.

[jrg19]

6 teams attending, any rules on drivers?

[SebnandoKimilton]

What I find interesting is the rumour that Lotus will not be attending due to a lack of funds. If true this means teams have to pay a considerable amount of money to attend these tests..... and we are supposed to believe that Red Bull, Mercedes, Ferrari and Mclaren spent their money for their private tests in order to "help Pirelli". Don't buy it for a second.

Edited by SebnandoKimilton, 09 December 2013 - 19:54.

[jrg19]

Will McLaren run without Vodafone?

[ConsiderAndGo]

Are Ferrari allowed to run Kimi?

[bonjon1979a]

Are Ferrari allowed to run Kimi?

Depends on his contract with lotus, if they didn't pay him yet, he can do what he wants but could lose his money. They might've paid him but contracted him until end of november. Just depends on the details.

[ConsiderAndGo]

Depends on his contract with lotus, if they didn't pay him yet, he can do what he wants but could lose his money. They might've paid him but contracted him until end of november. Just depends on the details.

 

I'd think he's still not fit enough anyway.

[jimjimjeroo]

Guessing the vodafone deal expires 31/12

[noikeee]

Some mod stickied this thread by accident lol.

[Exb]

Much better with the test being opened up to all teams (or at least those that can afford it), the fact so many are going proves there is plenty to be gained from it so it definitely shouldn't have been just for the top 3. Don't know what the driver rules will be but its a great opportunity for the rookies to get some more experience so I expect Magnussen and Kvyat to be testing. Red Bull ran Ricciardo in a tyre test earlier this year so maybe it is open to current drivers too.I wonder if any of the regulars think its worth turning up to - if they think they will be able to learn anything useful for next year or if the cars will be too different and the rest time is more important (I'm keeping in mind that Alonso didn't even go to the first winter test this year) I guess Ricciardo may drive for Red Bull again so he can have more time learning to work with his new team. Hope Sam Bird gets a chance for Merc to make up for having to miss the young drivers test earlier this year. It would be nice if we got a bit of coverage of the test (live timing or updates) but I'm not expecting anything due to the fact it is pointless info and the tyre tests are usually really secretive but it would be a good distraction from work for 3 days

[Jackmancer]

So what are the rules for the test? 2014 cars and engines already?

[mgs315]

So what are the rules for the test? 2014 cars and engines already?

I'd assume it'll be a bit like late 2008, old cars but with a few new bits bolted on. Tis a bit too soon to be showing their hand with engines no?

[Jackmancer]

I'd assume it'll be a bit like late 2008, old cars but with a few new bits bolted on. Tis a bit too soon to be showing their hand with engines no?

 

Pat Fry from Ferrari said reliability was important for the engines, and Ferrari apparently have it ready already, having tested it in a LaFerrari. I don't think it shows much if you use it.

[Cyanide]

Shows that Lotus are in the same boat as Sauber. Close to not running next year. 

[Gilles4Ever]

So what are the rules for the test? 2014 cars and engines already?

From the article: Teams will therefore be allowed to carry out a three-day tyre test using their 2013 cars at the Sakhir circuit from 17-19 December.

[SophieB]

@SkySportsF1: McLaren and Force India confirm they will not be taking part in next week's Bahrain test: http://t.co/ffqe8Vq9RY #SkyF1

[jrg19]

just the 4 Red Bulls 2 Mercedes and 2 Ferraris then. 

[MrPodium]

@SkySportsF1: McLaren and Force India confirm they will not be taking part in next week's Bahrain test: http://t.co/ffqe8Vq9RY #SkyF

 

Perhaps they don't have the latest spec engines from Mercedes to play with, therefore their test data wouldn't be of great value, hence their non participation.

 

Just a thought.

[MrPodium]

just the 4 Red Bulls 2 Mercedes and 2 Ferraris then. 

 

Missed your post, but that would fit in with my thoghts outlined in my previous post.

[Gilles4Ever]

Perhaps they don't have the latest spec engines from Mercedes to play with, therefore their test data wouldn't be of great value, hence their non participation.

 

Just a thought.

It would probably be engines used in Brazil and customer teams would probably all have given back their engines and out of contract engines needed to be supplied. At such short notice it's probably a logistical nightmare. 

[X61]

If the teams have to use 2013 cars and engines, how much use will the tire test be to them?  Will any data gathered transfer to their 2014 machines?

[Gorma]

If the teams have to use 2013 cars and engines, how much use will the tire test be to them?  Will any data gathered transfer to their 2014 machines?

They can drive with a similar weight distribution, downforce levels and other setup.

[Peter Perfect]

It would probably be engines used in Brazil and customer teams would probably all have given back their engines and out of contract engines needed to be supplied. At such short notice it's probably a logistical nightmare. 

True. Nice advantage for works teams ahead of so many unknowns next season, although... whose engines are TR running?

[X61]

They can drive with a similar weight distribution, downforce levels and other setup.

Thanks.  But with new aero rules wouldn't that make the data less useful?  I'm just curious if some teams are skipping because they can't get an engine, or because they don't see benefits outweighing the costs.

[Exb]

From that Sky article it sounds like they don't have enough time to organise the shipping of cars etc. (only 1 week). Red Bull, Merc and Ferrari have been planning this for a bit longer, Lotus seems to have turned it down due to cost (and also do they actually have an engine contract now as I expect that finished in Brazil). I expect any data is useful data, the cars they are running are well known so they will at least be able to compare and work out some of the characteristics of the new tyres.

[Frankbullitt]

Who will be driving for the teams?

[PayasYouRace]

Thanks.  But with new aero rules wouldn't that make the data less useful?  I'm just curious if some teams are skipping because they can't get an engine, or because they don't see benefits outweighing the costs.

 

They might be able to run similar designs to what's needed next year. A narrower front wing and leaving out the beam wing aren't impossible.

[DaiMOn]

Who will be driving for the teams?

 

My guess is: Bianchi and/or de la Rosa for Ferrari, RIC for Red Bull, Vergne/Kvyat for STR. Bird for Merc (?)

[jstrains]

Lotus request pre-season testing be delayed

http://www.f1times.c...s/display/08308

Edited by jstrains, 11 December 2013 - 09:31.

[Gilles4Ever]

Adam Cooper @adamcooperf1

Confirmation from Ferrari that @PedrodelaRosa1 and @Jules_Bianchi will do next week's Pirelli test in Bahrain.

[kimister]

@KomivesP Ferrari had originally scheduled Kimi Raikkonen for the Bahrain test on December 17th, before the back surgery intervened. #F1 #Formula1

 

https://twitter.com/...781824420290560 

[Exb]

http://www.autosport...t.php/id/111823

Lewis and Nico expected to drive for Merc, Red Bull and Toro Rosso not yet announced but Autosport believes it won't be Vettel.

[Zava]

http://www.autosport...t.php/id/111823

Lewis and Nico expected to drive for Merc, Red Bull and Toro Rosso not yet announced but Autosport believes it won't be Vettel.

obviously Vettel is busy painting the child's room from blue to pink, then back again (repeat ad infinitum) 

[Pyrone89]

Best would be to use day one to compare 2013 tyres to 2014 tyres with the 2013 car, without making 2014 aimed changes. That way you can determine exactly how the 2014 compare to the 2013 tyres. Day two and three can then be used to make changes to car aimed at 2014 (such as removing the beam wing and reducing front wing downforce level) to discover how the 2014 changes influence the handling and tyre usage to some extent.

[Jackmancer]

Why won't top drivers be fielded? Is there no advantage to be gained by them? I can understand Kimi has a sour back, but Alonso? Why isn't he here?

 

Am I seeing this wrong, or is he not giving 100% now and not wanting to leave his holiday? I can understand relaxing is important, but he could get an advantage over Vettel here, slightly.

[e34]

Why won't top drivers be fielded? Is there no advantage to be gained by them? I can understand Kimi has a sour back, but Alonso? Why isn't he here?

 

Am I seeing this wrong, or is he not giving 100% now and not wanting to leave his holiday? I can understand relaxing is important, but he could get an advantage over Vettel here, slightly.

 

Probably they want to give Bianchi as much mileage as possible. And it is also important that de la Rosa gets first hand experience in a real car, because he is very much involved in the simulator work. 

 

This time I think Ferrari is doing the right thing, at least with de la Rosa. 

[evo]

I suspect they don't run their lead driver(s) until a more finalised package. Not to mention the changeover, and being prototype testing for Pirelli, there is no real benefit to be had testing in a car combination that won't be relevant in the new season.