F1: Absolute Car Feel

Chapter 156 Except for Stoll

On March 13, the temperature in Melbourne, Australia was 20 degrees Celsius, neither too hot nor too cold, and a slight chill was felt in the wind.

“The track temperature is 40°C and the wind speed is 2.3 meters per second. The weather is great today, perfect for the race,” said Jonathan Carter, who has been reassigned as Wu Shi’s track engineer this season.

"It's indeed a good day, and the track is relatively empty," Wu Shi said.

“This is no joke.” Massa shook his head.

Today's training session only had sixteen vehicles participating, which seemed rather meager.

Among them, the Marussia team, or the Mano team, almost went out of business due to financial difficulties. Fortunately, new investment was injected in February, which saved the team.

Although they were able to participate in the 2015 season, their vehicles had many problems due to their financial situation. Before the Grand Prix, the software issues with the vehicles were still unresolved, so they were naturally unable to participate.

Sauber was also unable to compete due to a seat dispute.

“Alright, time to prepare for the race,” Wu Shi replied. Sauber’s absence was indeed a clown’s mistake, but the absence of the Marussia team was a predicament for private teams.

Teams like Caterham, which were still racing on the track last season, have become history this year.

Now that he is a full member of Williams' private racing team, it is only right that he be careful with his words.

Albert Park Circuit is a very complex street circuit with narrow run-off areas and complex combinations of corners.

However, after the first practice session began, no drivers made it to the top of the leaderboard. Instead, the Honda engine experienced a major stability problem, and Red Bull's Ricciardo retired from the race due to engine failure.

The two McLarens were limited by the insufficient power of the Honda engines, lagging behind the Indian Force by a full two seconds. After a few laps, they had to return to the pit lane to adjust the cars. If the second practice session in the afternoon is not going well, the engineers will probably have to work overtime again.

Mercedes' two cars continued to demonstrate their formidable dominance, both leading Wu Shi in third place by more than a second.

However, this was ultimately just a practice session. Many teams did not demonstrate their speed, and Wu Shi was instructed by his team to run at a slightly higher speed in order to test the vehicle's performance in qualifying.

The afternoon's second practice session included long-distance tests. Magnussen hit the wall, while Ricciardo was unable to participate due to an engine change.

Massa was unable to participate from the start due to a hydraulic rod malfunction, so the entire team's long-term testing task was handed over to Wu Shi.

These practice tests are even more tiring than the actual races. From the moment he entered the track, Wu Shi was constantly providing feedback and communicating with engineers responsible for different modules to collect data from the race car.

This long conversation left Wu Shi with a dry mouth, and even though he doesn't usually drink much water during matches, he was gulping down water with a straw in his mouth.

During the hour and a half practice session, the car made four pit stops, undergoing various adjustments to the rear wing, side wings, and front wing to better adapt to the track.

Meanwhile, the crew also took samples of the white neutral tires four times. They needed to communicate with Pirelli to jointly assess the tire compound issue.

After completing 33 laps, Wu Shi walked off the track, covered in sweat.

Back in the pit lane, Jonathan Carter said, "My white tires are worn way more than Ferrari's."

“I feel pretty good. As you can see, I was able to handle all 33 laps. I think I can just stop once in the race,” Wu Shi said directly.

"The rate of decline in the later stages looks rather ominous."

Wu Shi scratched his head: "The speed shouldn't be too different, right? Although the decay is a bit faster, we can still use a stop-and-go strategy."

Jonathan Carter nodded after listening, noted down the feedback, and provided it to Rodrigo Barrera, an engineer in the strategy team. He then said, "Massa did not participate in the long-distance test, so your test data will directly affect his choice."

Carter's meaning was clear: don't give random feedback, or it will affect the entire team.

"Well, at least from my perspective, that's something I can guarantee." Wu Shi brushed his hair back to expose his forehead for better heat dissipation. The following day at noon, when the third practice session began, Massa's vehicle was finally repaired and he was able to participate fully in the practice race.

Hamilton took the lead by setting a lap time of 1 minute 27.867 seconds, followed closely by Vettel, who was 0.696 seconds behind, while Rosberg was 0.954 seconds behind.

Everyone showed a bit of speed, with Wu Shi and Massa both running a time of 1 minute 28.9 seconds, occupying fourth and fifth place respectively.

Judging from the practice matches, West Bromwich Albion seems to be doing well, but they are not as competitive as they were last year.

This is mainly because other manufacturers' engines have caught up after a year and are now able to keep up with Mercedes' engines, while last year Mercedes focused on solving engine stability issues.

"The Ferrari's speed has picked up. I don't know if it's because of the four-time champion Vettel joining the team, or something else," Jonathan muttered to Wu Shi.

“Our absolute speed is indeed outdated,” Wu Shi said.

Jonathan nodded. They had the most comprehensive data and could roughly deduce the situation. He said, "Kimi didn't demonstrate the speed of a Ferrari, which is why I have this question."

"Let's see what everyone's skills are like in the afternoon's qualifying race." At this moment, Massa's engineer, Dave, also came up.

"Keep it up," Massa said to Wu Shi, raising his fist.

"Go for it!" Wu Shi nodded and gave Massa a fist bump.

During a break before qualifying, Verstappen, wearing a Toro Rosso jersey, came over and said, "Your car looks good."

“Max, I can’t share data with you anymore,” Wu Shi joked.

“Haha, if you’re willing to share your data, of course I’m willing,” Pan Zi replied jokingly.

“During practice, you always seem to be a little behind Sainz,” Wu Shi said. Pan Zi didn’t go to adjust the car during his free time, but came to talk to him, which didn’t seem quite right.

"Yeah, my dad scolded me."

“Uncle Joss is still the same as ever. Now, apart from not having been on the same team as Schumacher, your achievements are no less than his,” Wu Shi said with a smile.

"Being on the same team as a great driver proves nothing."

"Oh my." Wu Shi saw the confidence in Verstappen's brows. This guy has gradually matured. Although he is still receiving Jos's education, he is becoming more and more opinionated.

"It seems he said something incorrect."

“Hmm.” Verstappen nodded and said, “He thought I should adapt to the car as quickly as Sainz, and that I shouldn’t lose to Sainz, but I didn’t lose to him. I’m just still adapting to the car.”

"It seems the team hasn't fully followed your plan in adjusting the car?" Wu Shi noticed Pan Zi's slight complaint; the Toro Rosso team's focus should be more on Sainz.

Whether considering Sainz's age and experience, or from the perspective of their respective fathers' connections, Sainz has a higher priority.

Verstappen shrugged and said, "It's nothing. Once you achieve results, the team will be on your side."

Wu Shi nodded in deep agreement. He hadn't had a single track accident during the winter testing, and his amazing stability immediately earned him the team's praise.

Now, people are questioning him more about his young age and lack of experience, rather than his skill level.

Every driver's voice in the team is earned through countless laps.

Well, except for Stoll, who hasn't entered the paddock yet.

(End of this chapter)