Fisichella tests new Ferrari rear wing

[David]

I know it's a little against the grain but here is a story not about McLaren. 
OK, I know it's about Ferrari copying McLaren's F-duct idea, so they are involved a bit.

Ferrari test driver Giancarlo Fisichella was present at Italian track Vairano on Saturday in order to test a brand-new rear wing configuration, which could be used in this weekend's Spanish Grand Prix. The test was part of permitted aerodynamic runs, as agreed by all teams.

Although a strict ban is in place on in-season circuit testing, all teams are allowed to conduct straight-line runs for aerodynamics for a total of four days during the season.

With the Maranello-based team having experimented with an f-duct system last time out in China, former Force India racer Fisichella trialled with a 'blown' rear wing, featuring a bubble-like centre section.

Driving Ferrari's latest chassis - code numbered 284 and to be driven by former Sauber team-mate Felipe Massa this weekend - Fisichella is also the first to drive the 2010 Ferrari with in-board cockpit side mirrors, as out-board mirrors are banned from Round 5 onwards for safety reasons.

With the data from Saturday now being analysed by Ferrari technicians, the team will run the new rear wing - including an f-duct system - on both Massa and Fernando Alonso's cars in Friday's two practice sessions at the Circuit de Catalunya; an evening decision will then be made with regards to whether the new component will remain in use for Saturday's qualifying session and Sunday's race.

GP Update

[John S]

What's the betting that the team man Massa will be asked to run without it in the race so Alonso can appraise it properly ? - well they need a control car don't they 

[Alianora La Canta]

Ferrari aren't Virgin - I'm sure that if this works, both cars will have the F-duct and there'll be non-F-duct spares for everyone as well...

[Williamsfan]

Yeah, you'd have to think Ferrari might have the resources to build two cars with the newest features installed onto them!

[David]

Yeah John, we're not talkin' about some two bit operation here. 

I've heard they are going to call their system the F-Duck and it's meant to make the car go 'quacker'  'down' the straights by stalling the 'wing'. That should fit the 'bill' and make McLaren right and 'eggy'. 

[John S]

Look folks you missed my point, Ferrari can easily supply both drivers, I was alluding to Alonso's rising divinity at the Scuderia. 

[Alianora La Canta]

Well, Massa's testing the F-duct in practise anyway. So either the F-duct isn't as good as suggested or Alonso's deification at Ferrari remains incomplete.

[cosworth151]

After what he did to Massa in the pit entrance last race, I'm sure many people at Ferrari would like to "F" Alonso!