Monaco GP - A trouble-free start
Monte Carlo, 21th May 2009
From every point of view – data acquisition, track assessment, driver confidence, it is vital at this unique and complicated circuit to spend as much time as possible on track during the free practice sessions. Therefore, this Thursday was a good one for Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro as both Kimi and Felipe got through the two ninety minute sessions without a hitch, racking up an impressive mileage. How competitive was the F60? That is a difficult question to answer given that this circuit presents some unusual obstacles to “reading” the situation. The track itself is of course very dirty at first, as up until this morning it was just another series of roads in the Principality, with all sorts of traffic leaving oil and general dirt all over it. This means that the lap times are always quicker at the end of the three hours. But not all drivers were out on track on new tyres and lower fuel loads at the end of practice, some choosing to do their lower fuel runs in the early stages. Then there is always the problem of traffic which can ruin a driver’s best lap. Despite all these peculiar circumstances, both drivers finished both sessions in the top ten, which is a good start, given they were also quite happy with the behaviour of the F60. Felipe Massa ended the day in fifth spot and Kimi Raikkonen was eighth.
Topping the time sheet was Nico Rosberg for Williams-Toyota, followed by reigning world champion, Lewis Hamilton in the McLaren-Mercedes. Next came the series leaders, the Brawns, with Rubens Barrichello third ahead of Jenson Button, while behind Felipe was Sebastian Vettel in the Red Bull Renault. Kimi was fractionally slower than fellow Finn, Heikki Kovalainen, seventh in the McLaren.
Friday is officially a day off for everyone, but don’t mention that to the engineers and staff at Ferrari! For much of the team, tomorrow will be a day spent in meetings, analysing data and getting ready for Saturday’s qualifying. Last year, Felipe Massa took pole position with a great lap, but as we have seen so far this year, it is incredibly tight at the top and it is very difficult to make any sort of predictions. At least one element seems stable this year, as the weather forecast is good for the rest of the weekend.
From every point of view – data acquisition, track assessment, driver confidence, it is vital at this unique and complicated circuit to spend as much time as possible on track during the free practice sessions. Therefore, this Thursday was a good one for Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro as both Kimi and Felipe got through the two ninety minute sessions without a hitch, racking up an impressive mileage. How competitive was the F60? That is a difficult question to answer given that this circuit presents some unusual obstacles to “reading” the situation. The track itself is of course very dirty at first, as up until this morning it was just another series of roads in the Principality, with all sorts of traffic leaving oil and general dirt all over it. This means that the lap times are always quicker at the end of the three hours. But not all drivers were out on track on new tyres and lower fuel loads at the end of practice, some choosing to do their lower fuel runs in the early stages. Then there is always the problem of traffic which can ruin a driver’s best lap. Despite all these peculiar circumstances, both drivers finished both sessions in the top ten, which is a good start, given they were also quite happy with the behaviour of the F60. Felipe Massa ended the day in fifth spot and Kimi Raikkonen was eighth.
Topping the time sheet was Nico Rosberg for Williams-Toyota, followed by reigning world champion, Lewis Hamilton in the McLaren-Mercedes. Next came the series leaders, the Brawns, with Rubens Barrichello third ahead of Jenson Button, while behind Felipe was Sebastian Vettel in the Red Bull Renault. Kimi was fractionally slower than fellow Finn, Heikki Kovalainen, seventh in the McLaren.
Friday is officially a day off for everyone, but don’t mention that to the engineers and staff at Ferrari! For much of the team, tomorrow will be a day spent in meetings, analysing data and getting ready for Saturday’s qualifying. Last year, Felipe Massa took pole position with a great lap, but as we have seen so far this year, it is incredibly tight at the top and it is very difficult to make any sort of predictions. At least one element seems stable this year, as the weather forecast is good for the rest of the weekend.
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