The pilot British Lando Norris and his McLaren dominated this Wednesday the first day of Formula 1 pre-season testing at the circuit of Montmelonear Barcelona, in preparation for a season altered by the entry into force of the new regulations.
Under a blue sky, the ‘official’ starting signal for 2022 was given with these first tests in Catalonia, where the current champion, the dutch max verstappenand the runner-up, the british lewis hamiltonachieved the ninth and fifth fastest times of the day, respectively.
Norris, who finished sixth last season, set the fastest time with 1 minute, 19 seconds and 568 thousandths.
Behind Norris were the Ferraris, fueling the hopes of the Italian tifosi.
The Monegasque Charles Leclerc got the second best mark (1 min 20 sec 165 thousandths), followed by his partner, the Spanish Carlos Sainz Jr. (1 min 20 sec 416 thousandths).
“Today we could already start to feel some differences compared to last year, although I don’t think it will take us long to get used to it,” explained Sainz Jr.
The Spanish Fernando Alonsofrom Alpine, finished in eighth position.
“It’s good to be back after such a long wait. We have spent a lot of time preparing for this moment,” Alonso said.
Before the first 2022 Grand Prixto be held on March 20 in Bahrain, for the ‘paddock’ it all starts now: the 20 drivers finally were able to test the first results long months of development on their new cars.
modified aerodynamics
This first day in Catalonia was above all an opportunity to get used to cars with a more imposing appearance, specifically with tires with a diameter almost 13 cm larger.
Formula 1 has introduced new technical rules to allow cars, with modified aerodynamics, to chase and overtake each other more easilyto offer a greater spectacle.
“It is a very exciting moment. We don’t know where we are right nowbut we hope that these rules deliver what Ross (Brown, F1 sporting director) promised us, in the closest races,” said six-time world champion Hamilton.
Given the unknowns of the new regulations, is there any risk that Mercedes will be harmed this year? They questioned the English driver.
“Why should I have this impression? (Mercedes) won eight constructors’ titles in a row (…) My team does not make mistakes”, specified Hamilton, who finished this Wednesday, behind his new partner and compatriot, George Russell.
In addition, Hamilton finished ahead of Verstappen, more than two and a half seconds behind Norris.
Start from zero
Also when asked about these changes, Red Bull boss Christian Horner spoke of a fresh start, “possibly the biggest regulatory change in the last 40 years”.
“I’m sure the intensity of rivalry between teams and drivers will be more present than ever”, assured Horner, at a press conference, after the intense fight between Hamilton’s Mercedes and Verstappen’s Red Bull for the title until the last seconds of the final 2021 Grand Prix.
“It is now 2022, all points are zerowith new opportunities and new risks”, commented Toto Wolff, his Mercedes counterpart.
After a test period of just three days in 2021, F1 returns in two separate sessions for a total of six test days.
Another three days in Bahrain (March 10-12) will allow the ten teams to adapt to the new regulations, postponed for a year due to the pandemic. (D)
Source: Eluniverso
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