The F2008 has adapted well to the new rules
Ferrari's 'team manager' Luca Baldisserri believes that the F2008 comes out as a winner of the new regulations. As proof, the last four days of testing in Bahrain where the new car was a notch above.
« Everyone thinks that the drivers will find the car difficult to drive without the electronic aids that are banned this year, » he stated in the columns of the Gazzetta dello Sport.
But, up to now, the F2008 has performed very well, and that’s why we are making such good times on the Sakhir circuit.
« We also carried out a simulation on the design of the front and rear suspensions which seems to work. We are very satisfied with our lap times but it is clear that we have to check everything because in the race we compete with the other teams, » continued Baldisserri.
Next to all these good points, the Italian is also satisfied with the car’s reliability: « The times achieved in recent days have allowed us to complete our program faster than expected. This is a good thing now that the number of tests is limited. »
Our objective in 2008 is based on reliability. If the car works well and is fast enough, then that’s the best thing that can happen to us.
But he is not 100% convinced that in this year 2008, changes in regulations will have a big impact. « Costs have decreased, but the uniqueness of electronic systems will not necessarily lead to a drop in performance, » he added.
« When there are 22 drivers on the track at the same time, in the heat, with worn tires, the car is more difficult to drive. This will therefore increase the chances of making a mistake and losing time. »
« The simulations we have carried out so far suggest that there will not be more pit stops during the races. The tire wear observed in Jerez and Valencia is not higher this season. The soft tires will last longer as will the mediums. »
