Ferrari to unveil upgraded SF-23 at Emilia Romagna Grand Prix
Ferrari's SF-23 is set to make its debut at the Imola Grand Prix, marking a potential turning point in the 2023 F1 season. The Prancing Horse aims to challenge the dominance of rival teams with this upgraded car.
Ferrari is set to unveil the new and improved SF-23 at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola on May 21st, as reported by the Italian edition of Motorsport.com.
The Scuderia is hoping that this upgraded car will enable them to challenge not just Red Bull, but also Aston Martin, the current second-best team.
Interestingly, Mercedes is also expected to introduce its W14 Evo at Imola, making this race a potential turning point in the championship.
A Race Against Time
Initially, Ferrari's plan was to introduce the changes to the car in time for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix after a three-week break following the Australian race.
However, the development of new parts required a longer construction phase, so the team has set their sights on Imola for the true start of their 2023 campaign.
The Technical Overhaul
Technical Director Enrico Cardile has implemented changes to several aspects of the car, including a new floor and revised rear suspension for better control of the ride height.
The SF-23 will also undergo a transformation in its shape, with redesigned side pods to better align with the car's aerodynamic philosophy.
The main objective is to have the car operate at the optimal minimum ride height, which is in line with the measurements taken in the wind tunnel.
Ferrari's engineers had focused heavily on aerodynamic efficiency to reduce drag, but had not adequately considered the issue of porpoising.
This problem, causing the car to bounce at certain speeds, necessitates raising the car's floor to avoid damaging it on curbs and asphalt, leading to a harmful loss of downforce.
F1news.live Staff
A Change in Development Plans
In light of these issues, Ferrari has decided to alter its development plans for the SF-23.
Instead of gradual updates throughout the season, the team has chosen to invest a significant portion of its budget cap resources into the car's evolution in an attempt to salvage their championship hopes after a slow start in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.
Ferrari remains convinced that the car's potential is much higher than its current performance, and these changes are intended to unlock the SF-23's hidden capabilities.
Team principal Fred Vasseur has not initiated any purges within the team, but rather opted for a reinvigoration plan.
An internal promotion has led to an Italian engineer taking over the Head of Vehicle Concept role, previously held by David Sanchez.
This engineer, along with Cardile and head of aerodynamics Diego Tondi, will form a tricolor trio tasked with finding the keys to a Ferrari resurgence.
Leclerc and Sainz: Defending Until Imola
In the meantime, drivers Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz will need to adopt a defensive strategy.
In Melbourne, the team will introduce updates based on the massive amount of data collected after the first two Grands Prix.
The free practice sessions on Friday in Melbourne will be crucial in determining the team's prospects.
If the SF-23 demonstrates a good adaptation to the Melbourne street circuit, hopes for a less challenging weekend than at Jeddah (where Ferrari finished fourth) can be maintained.
Otherwise, fans may have to wait until Imola to see the true potential of the 2023 Ferrari.
The team will need to maintain cohesion to prevent any internal issues from derailing their efforts.
With the upcoming debut of the revamped SF-23 at Imola, the Scuderia is making a bold move to reinvigorate the Prancing Horse and put themselves back in the race for championship contention.
The stakes are high, but with the right combination of technical improvements and team unity, Ferrari could well surprise their rivals and fans alike.
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