Ferrari is testing wheel covers at Fiorano today to reduce water spray during races in the rain.
If it rains a lot, current Formula 1 usually puts up a red flag. Cars on a wet track basically run into two problems – aquaplaning and visibility.
Aquaplaning can theoretically be mitigated by modifying the track (so that water doesn’t stick anywhere and puddles don’t form). It’s worse with splashing. If it’s big, the riders can’t see anything. Tires drain tens of liters of water per second.
The FIA also wants to address this area. Last year at Silverstone, the first test of wheel covers – mudguards, if you will – took place. There are no official photos, but we do know that the wheels were only partially covered (see image below) and the effect was essentially zero.
The test took place with two cars and the McLaren (Piastri) and Mercedes (Schumacher) teams took part in it. Wheel covers were installed on one car and the other followed to assess the impact of the wheel cover on spray.
Thursday’s Ferrari test
The FIA was not satisfied with the result of the test, so there was a modification of the covers that now surround the entire wheels. A new test took place today in Fiorano. Its advantage is that it has an artificial irrigation system.
There were two cars on track again – Arthur Leclerc driving a 2023 SF-75 with wheel covers (front and rear) and wet tires installed, Oliver Bearman driving this year’s Ferrari to check visibility.
It is also expected to be live at Fiorano tomorrow, when the Scuderia is due to test a package of improvements for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola in a week’s time as part of a filming day. But it is possible that the first part of the test will take place this afternoon.
Tags: Ferrari tests wheel covers reduce spray Fiorano photos F1sport .cz
