F1 Madness

Tag: 2016 season

  • F1 2016: Ferrari Launches 2016 Challenger – The SF16-H

    F1 2016: Ferrari Launches 2016 Challenger – The SF16-H

    In a week dominated by car launches Ferrari has joined the party by unveiling its challenger for the 2016 season – the SF16-H.

    In an online launch, hosted by F1 journalist James Allen, Kimi Raikkonen and Sebastian Vettel pulled the covers off their new car which Ferrari are calling the SF16-H.

    The first, most notable, change is the livery which has a distinctively more retro feel with the addition of the white inlay over the cockpit and airbox.

    Ferrari SF16-HTeam principal Maurizio Arrivebene was also in attendance for the unveiling of the SF16-H and shared his hope that the team and car will be able to challenge for the championship this season.

    “Normally I am not setting the objectives, my boss sets the objective for the team. I think this year, we need to push a bit more. We would like to fight until the end for the championship,” he said.

    “I know that is not going to be easy, because our competitors are not sleeping, but we are committed to do our best.”

    Ferrari SF16-HThe nose of the SF16-H is noticeably shorter than its predecessors and after an arguably failed attempt at running pullrod suspension Ferrari has opted to run a pushrod suspension configuration for 2016.

    Technical director James Alison noted that the SF16-H is different in “a number of areas.”

    “Last year was a decent step forward and we hope this car will be another good step forward to make us properly competitive,” he added.

    “We have improved across the board. All our hopes are in this car, and we can’t wait to see it on the track.”

    (SF16-H Images courtesy of ferrari.com)

     

  • Pirelli granted up to six F1 tyre tests for 2016

    Pirelli granted up to six F1 tyre tests for 2016

    F1 tyre supplier Pirelli will get a maximum of 12 days dedicated solely to tyre testing during the 2016 season following amendments to the sporting regulations.

    The Italian tyre manufacturer has been pushing for an increase in testing since securing the extension of their contract as the sole F1 tyre supplier until 2019.

    The biggest concern the company has is the planned 2017 regulation changes which are looking to increase the speed of cars by up to 5 seconds per lap. The increase will be brought about partly by the introduction of wider tyres.

    Pirelli were granted a 12 hour test after the final race of the 2015 season in Abu Dhabi and will also test in wet conditions at Paul Ricard in January.

    Pirelli F1 tyre - ultra softFurther to that, Pirelli will be granted a maximum of 12 days for testing in 2016 to help develop tyres for upcoming seasons. The 12 days can be organised in up to six two-day F1 tyre tests.

    The amendments to the 2016 Sporting Regulations state: “In consultation with the teams and the appointed tyre supplier, the FIA reserves the right to organise up to six two day tests for the sole purpose of providing the supplier with the chance to test improvements to the design of their tyres.”

    Pirelli will also be increasing their range with the introduction of the new ultra-soft tyre and new tyre regulations for next season will see drivers having some choice over which F1 tyre compound they would like to have available during a race weekend.