Pre-Season Testing - 2006

[Ed]

Interesting numbers from todays test show both the Honda and Ferrari V8's are within 0.1s of their respective 2005 race fastest laps. (not that either of them were fantastic)
looks like julian may be collecting a few roubles this season

The track conditions during the race in 2005 were very hot making a direct comparison impossible. During the race track temperature reached 47 degrees while on Monday the track temperature peaked at 33.

However, the numbers are cetainly intersting given that the times set aren't that much slower than the Pole times set in 2004 and 2005. The times won't improve dramatically though as this track is known to be consistent. It would be very suprising if any of the cars drops below the 1.29 mark when they test with low fuel loads over the next few days.

[sgd]

Interesting numbers from todays test show both the Honda and Ferrari V8's are within 0.1s of their respective 2005 race fastest laps. (not that either of them were fantastic)

in fact interesting numbers... i was expecting much slower laps...
it will be interesting to see how the V8's affect the overtaking...

[BlinkyBill]

Interesting numbers from todays test show both the Honda and Ferrari V8's are within 0.1s of their respective 2005 race fastest laps. (not that either of them were fantastic)
looks like julian may be collecting a few roubles this season

The track conditions during the race in 2005 were very hot making a direct comparison impossible. During the race track temperature reached 47 degrees while on Monday the track temperature peaked at 33.

However, the numbers are cetainly intersting given that the times set aren't that much slower than the Pole times set in 2004 and 2005. The times won't improve dramatically though as this track is known to be consistent. It would be very suprising if any of the cars drops below the 1.29 mark when they test with low fuel loads over the next few days.

It is a tough one to guage. . . back at Bahrain in 05 there was plenty of talk and questions over engine life and how engine's would cope in the extra heat of Bahrain. . . so we arent to know how conservative the teams were last year.

I think previous testing tracks are more indicative, and they suggest times within 1sec of 05 times . . . I would be very surprised if we see much better than that before the europian leg.

[Ed]

Testing continued at Bahrain on Tuesday with Ferrari, Honda and Toro Rosso present. 5 drivers set lap times with Luca Badoer in the F2004 fitted with a V10 setting the fastest time of the day with a 1:31.230. Jenson Button in the Honda RA106 was the fastest of the 06 spec cars setting a time of 1:31.451.

Weather conditions were partly cloudy and warm. Air temperature reached 28 degrees while track temperatures reached 39 degrees.

For reference, the fastest time set at Bahrain in 2005 was a 1:29.527 set by Mark Webber during the second Saturday practice session for the Bahrain Grand Prix.

Testing continues on Wednesday with Michael Schumacher joining the test.

Testing commenced at Valencia with 4 teams (McLaren, Red Bull, Williams and MF1 Racing) with Renault joining on Wednesday.
9 drivers set lap times with Mark Webber in the Williams FW28 setting the fastest time with a 1:10.601.
Christian Klien in the Red Bull Racing RB2 covered the most number of laps with 100.

For reference, the fastest time set so far this year at Valencia was a 1:10.552 by Fernando Alonso in the Renault R26 on the 3rd of February.

Testing also commenced at Barcelona and Vallelunga with BMW Sauber and Toyota testing privately.

Full report and times

Best Lap Times and lap records at Testing Tracks

[Snowy]

Hola

I have been reading your posts and opinions on this seasons testing with great interest for the last month. And whilst I agree with most of what has been said Alonso appears unstoppable,etc. I think I must point out that the fastest car over one lap will not necessarily win a race. As far as I can make out from the lap charts from Barcelona the most consistent fast laps were posted by Alonso, the Farraris and Button. The Bridgestones were ominously fast, and we all know what happened in 2004. I don't think that is going to happen again but mark my words Schumacher is going to be very annoying this season . I enjoy watching Schumacher being beaten, but in a fair fight; last season was unsatisfactory for that reason. If testing is anything to go by we should see a more rounded championship with Schu back in the mix, Jenson pushing for wins and Alonso with a target on his behind. Mclaren what an outfit
If only all the tracks were as generous with their data as Barcelona then perhaps we could make more informed judgements on testing. Farraris times were very very consistent and fast it would be interesting to see how Honda was stacking up lap by lap this week in Bahrain

[Ed]

Welcome Snowy,

Agree that consistency will be key however with tyre changes re-introduced, the emphasis on the tyres would be less than in 2005.

It is a pity that we don't get access to individual laps as that provides us with a much better idea of what is happening.
The good news is that there will be a mega test at Barcelona next week and that should help us a bit!

Again, welcome to our forums.

[Ed]

Testing continued at Bahrain on Wednesday with Ferrari, Honda and Toro Rosso present. 5 drivers set lap times with Felipe Massa in the F2004 fitted with a V10 setting the fastest time of the day with a 1:30.029. Jenson Button in the Honda RA106 was the fastest of the 06 spec cars setting a time of 1:31.265.

Michael Schumacher joined the test but his running was cut short due to a mechanical problem after completing 37 laps.

Weather conditions were partly cloudy and warm. Air temperature reached 29 degrees while track temperatures reached 39 degrees.

For reference, the fastest time set at Bahrain in 2005 was a 1:29.527 set by Mark Webber during the second Saturday practice session for the Bahrain Grand Prix.

Testing continues on Thursday.

Testing continued at Valencia with 5 teams as Renault joined the test.
11 drivers set lap times with Nico Rosberg in the Williams FW28 setting the fastest time with a 1:10.994.
Heikki Kovalainen in the Renault R26 covered the most number of laps with 115.

There were 6 red flags during the session with Fisichella, Kovalainen, Raikkonen, Montoya, Webber and Klien all stopping on the track.

For reference, the fastest time set so far this year at Valencia was a 1:10.552 by Fernando Alonso in the Renault R26 on the 3rd of February.

Testing continued at Barcelona and Vallelunga with BMW Sauber and Toyota testing privately.

Full report and times

Best Lap Times and lap records at Testing Tracks

[Graham Ross]

McLaren is fast but isn't lasting. Kimi only did 15 laps

It is encouraging to see the Williams topping the sheets on two days but before getting too excited, I'd like to see that repeated at another circuit.

I also suspect that because of the gearbox problems Williams are trying to catch up and they are running a different program from the others.
Track temps seem low and that may suit the Bridgestone runners but in Bahrain were it is hot, the Ferrari isn't able to get close to the Honda.

We can only speculate!

[BlinkyBill]

McLaren is fast but isn't lasting. Kimi only did 15 laps

It is encouraging to see the Williams topping the sheets on two days but before getting too excited, I'd like to see that repeated at another circuit.

I also suspect that because of the gearbox problems Williams are trying to catch up and they are running a different program from the others.
Track temps seem low and that may suit the Bridgestone runners but in Bahrain were it is hot, the Ferrari isn't able to get close to the Honda.

We can only speculate!

There are definitely some different programs on at the moment, but I dont quite read it the same way. Certainly Williams times are amongst the best set at this track . . . beaten only be Renault, and Honda on or near Nico's time - but not better. If they are running at their peak at their moment . . . it doesnt look tragic . . . because the times are up there.

But on the other side, if they are not pushing the car becuase of gearbox testing . . . then that's a good thing! They have more pace yet to come.

So I think Cautious optimism . . . I too would like to see them repeat it at another track.

McLaren on the other hand, I dont read too much into their low times in the last two days. I am assuming that the these are new cars they are running? Not the orange machines repainted? In which case it is expected that they have a couple of days winding themselves back up to speed.

[Graham Ross]

No Blinky, the new car has just a different paint job. It is the same unreliable MP4-21 which hit the track in January
From what I've read, they've got a new spec engine that still blows every 10 laps or so

Could it be the chrome I wonder

I agree it is looking good for Williams at the moment but when it hots up the Bridgestones melt!

[Julian Mayo]

No Blinky, the new car has just a different paint job. It is the same unreliable MP4-21 which hit the track in January
From what I've read, they've got a new spec engine that still blows every 10 laps or so

Could it be the chrome I wonder

I agree it is looking good for Williams at the moment but when it hots up the Bridgestones melt!

And get changed this year Combine that with the shambolic Q system and its going to be strategy, strategy, and more strategy.

[JayVee]

Nico faster than Webber by over half a second I hear

But a Bridgestone runner is fastest again rah must be happy. Not just one but three days now

I agree with Graham , look at Bahrain and Ferrari with all the favouritism from Bridgestone can't match Button or the ex Helper

By my estimates, Alonso The Cute would have been fastest by 2 tenths

[JayVee]

Snowy

I don't think that is going to happen again but mark my words Schumacher is going to be very annoying this season .

Always was, always will be (imo)

I enjoy watching Schumacher being beaten, but in a fair fight; last season was unsatisfactory for that reason.

You really think it was down to Bridgestone. I disagree.
The F2005 was no good. They have dumped it and are using the F2004 for testing. They are prepared to go back more than a year to avoid using the F2005. That should tell you something about the F2005.

If testing is anything to go by we should see a more rounded championship with Schu back in the mix, Jenson pushing for wins and Alonso with a target on his behind. Mclaren what an outfit

For the sake of an exciting season, I hope you are right but being a realist I think Alonso will dominate and the others will just have to follow

[Snowy]

Hi

Thanks for the warm welcome
And your absolutely right JayVee, I hadn't even noticed that .

JayVee wrote
You really think it was down to Bridgestone. I disagree.
The F2005 was no good. They have dumped it and are using the F2004 for testing. They are prepared to go back more than a year to avoid using the F2005. That should tell you something about the F2005.

I am really looking forward to this season and that's something I haven't done for a while. It promises a lot, there are a great number of what if's

What if Fisci ups his game and Renault respond by putting more effort into his campaign than alonso's? (could happen )

What if Rubens out paces Jenson? :oops:

What if Jenson wins one and is no longer content with podiums? :oops: :drink:

What if Massa outpaces Schuey?(what were those times he set at Barcelona about )

What if Williams runs away with the title with a Cosworth engine?

What if Mercedes, Honda, Renault and Toyota don't sign on the dotted line by the 10th of March? Will they be excluded from or lose their championship points for 2006 :?:

[Julian Mayo]

Hi

Thanks for the warm welcome
And your absolutely right JayVee, I hadn't even noticed that .

JayVee wrote
You really think it was down to Bridgestone. I disagree.
The F2005 was no good. They have dumped it and are using the F2004 for testing. They are prepared to go back more than a year to avoid using the F2005. That should tell you something about the F2005.

I am really looking forward to this season and that's something I haven't done for a while. It promises a lot, there are a great number of what if's

What if Fisci ups his game and Renault respond by putting more effort into his campaign than alonso's? (could happen )

What if Rubens out paces Jenson? :oops:

What if Jenson wins one and is no longer content with podiums? :oops: :drink:

What if Massa outpaces Schuey?(what were those times he set at Barcelona about )

What if Williams runs away with the title with a Cosworth engine?

What if Mercedes, Honda, Renault and Toyota don't sign on the dotted line by the 10th of March? Will they be excluded from or lose their championship points for 2006 :?:

This is why one continues to draw breath