Following a terrible trio of disappointing races, Ferrari are trying to redeem themselves – starting from the Budapest weekend. The last week has given the team time to analyse their Spanish GP upgrades. Ferrari will bring a set of upgrades to Hungary this weekend, which Fred Vasseur hopes can resolve their recent issues.
VASSEUR: “WE WILL BRING AN ADVANCED VERSION OF THE FUND TO BUDAPEST”
The Ferrari team principal took stock of the situation:
“The week off before Hungary allowed us to thoroughly analyse all the data collected in the last three races.
“We, therefore, noted that the recently introduced upgrade package brought the expected benefits in terms of load points but also triggered side effects that worsened the driving comfort of Charles and Carlos.”
Vasseur then explained what innovation Ferrari will bring for the race on the tortuous Hungaroring circuit, a track where qualifying takes on even greater importance:
“We have worked hard in the company, and so in Budapest, we will bring an advanced version of the floor that we hope will give the drivers a car with which they can express themselves to the best of their ability.
“This season, we continue to fight on the edge of hundredths of a second, and having Charles and Carlos in full confidence can allow us to obtain better results in the race but, above all, in qualifying when it comes to pushing to the limit.
“I am confident that the package we will have available at the Hungaroring will allow our team to be a protagonist.”
ADAMI: “EXCELLENT TRACTION AND REACTIVE FRONT END NEEDED AT THE HUNGARORING”
Riccardo Adami, Carlos Sainz’s track engineer, explains the main characteristics of the Budapest circuit:
“The Hungaroring is a track characterised by many low-speed corners and few straights. The car’s aerodynamic configuration is usually high downforce, even though this means greater resistance to forward motion.
“It is the permanent circuit with the lowest average lap speed of the entire championship. Excellent traction is required, but also a very reactive front axle in the centre of the corner to optimise cornering. The high ambient temperatures and short straight sections put a strain on the cooling of the cars.
“The track is also demanding for the drivers who tackle a rapid succession of “kart track” style corners in the central section. It is difficult to overtake, so it is important to concentrate, in addition to race pace, on qualifying.
“Finally, the weather conditions will make the weekend even more challenging, as they can be changeable at this time of year, with possible summer storms”.
