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Scuderia Ferrari is set to utilize a private filming day at the Monza circuit today to conduct vital real-world testing of their latest aerodynamic upgrades. With the Formula 1 calendar facing a significant five-week hiatus following the cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix, the team is looking to gain a competitive edge ahead of the Miami Grand Prix, scheduled for May 1-3.
Drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc are expected to pilot the car during the session, providing the team with essential data to refine their package. While F1 regulations restrict filming days to a 200km (124-mile) limit and mandate the use of Pirelli’s demonstration tires, Ferrari remains confident that the track time at the historic Italian venue will prove invaluable.
Central to Ferrari’s development program is the evaluation of their "Macarena" rear wing. First unveiled during pre-season testing in Bahrain and subsequently run at the Chinese Grand Prix, the component has presented the team with significant challenges. In Shanghai, the wing induced balance issues that the team could not resolve under the pressure of a race weekend.
Beyond aerodynamic performance, the team faces a technical hurdle regarding compliance. Reports indicate that Ferrari must refine the actuation system of the Macarena wing to ensure it meets strict regulatory standards. Specifically, F1 rules dictate that the open element of the rear wing must close within four-hundredths of a second. Ferrari is now focused on optimizing this closing time to ensure the design is fully legal for its intended debut in Florida.
While the primary focus has shifted toward aerodynamic validation, the Monza outing was originally conceived to analyze engine performance and battery management strategies. Given that Monza is one of the most power-sensitive circuits on the calendar, the data gathered will also serve as long-term preparation for the Italian Grand Prix in September.
Ferrari’s proactive approach during this mid-season break highlights the intensity of the development race. The team reportedly proposed a joint test session at Monza to exceed the standard filming day limitations, though they are now proceeding with a private session, aiming to keep their development work as discreet as possible as they prepare for the Miami round.
He’s a software engineer with a deep passion for Formula 1 and motorsport. He co-founded Formula Live Pulse to make live telemetry and race insights accessible, visual, and easy to follow.
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