Spa-Francorshamps is an important test for Ferrari dealing with high bouncing. An enemy that we have learned to know with the return of ground effect single-seaters, difficult to eradicate especially on a fast circuit like the Belgian one. Although there is still a lot of work to do on Friday, Ferrari was able to get a first taste of what the weekend can offer. According to Vasseur, Ferrari team principal, the weekend in Spa in Belgium could, however, reserve some surprises, precisely due to the nature of the circuit and the evolution of the track in uncertain conditions.
Vasseur agrees with Leclerc, results difficult to read in free practice in Belgium
Friday gave Ferrari a fourth and sixth place, which puts the Ferrari in a third-place position, a position that currently reflects the constructors' standings, which now sees McLaren in second place. Compared to the other three top 3, the Woking team seems to suffer very little from the different tracks, not missing a beat even on the updates. Although the team showed notable progress, the difficulty in maintaining a consistent performance led to a loss of crucial points. Now, the Maranello team must capitalize on the opportunity offered by the Belgian Grand Prix to close this first part of the season with positive momentum and prepare as best as possible for the second segment of the year.
Vasseur, bouncing could return to Belgium on several occasions
The Reds at Spa benefited from the new low-download aerodynamic package, with the SF-24 confirming good speed on the straights of the first sector. However, the team struggled in the corners of the second sector and the bouncing, although improved compared to Silverstone, is still present. At the end of the first day of free practice, Frederic Vasseur, Ferrari team principal, highlighted his concerns for the rest of the weekend:
“We are losing too much time on the straights – accuses team principal Frederic Vasseur. Everyone experimented a lot and followed their individual program, the results of the free practice are difficult to read“. A feeling also shared by Charles Leclerc at the end of FP2.
“Bouncing can still recur as lap times get lower or as the wind increases. 2 or 3 km/h are enough to start the oscillations again."
With Vasseur's statements highlighting concerns about the possible return of bouncing, Ferrari prepares to face the last race before the summer break. The balance of the first half of the season, compared with the previous year, offers signs of improvement: two victories compared to none in 2023 and nine podiums compared to one last year. A season that was divided into very distinct segments, with Red Bull dominant at the start, followed by a period of strength for Ferrari, and finally the emergence of McLaren and Mercedes.
Source statements: FormulaPassion
