Ferrari is set to bring their first upgrade package of the 2024 season at the Emilia Romagna GP (17-19 May). However, before the Italian outfit debuts the revamped SF-24, they will head for a private test at their personal track in Fiorano.
According to F1 journalist Piergiuseppe Donadoni (sourced from X),
“Ferrari will lap at Fiorano with the SF-24 2.0 between Thursday 9th and Friday 10th. Similar to pre-Austria 23, the important package of upgrades that the Maranello team will officially bring to the track in Imola, will debut.”
ESCLUSIVA @formu1a__uno: Ferrari girerà a Fiorano con la SF-24 2.0 tra giovedì 9 e venerdì 10. Simil pre Austria 23, debutterà quell’importante pacchetto di aggiornamenti che il team di Maranello porterà in pista ufficialmente da Imola #FORMU1A https://t.co/iI46nc0hoc
— Piergiuseppe Donadoni (@SmilexTech) May 7, 2024
Ferrari is set to bring substantial upgrades to their 2024 challenger. Hence, the team would want to test its efficacy and reliability behind closed doors before debuting it for competitive running from Imola onwards.
The Emilia Romagna GP is one of the most important races on the calendar for Ferrari. Keeping the battle in the Championship aside, the race in Imola is their home Grand Prix (along with the Italian GP in Monza). Hence, the Maranello-based outfit will be looking to put in a strong performance in front of the Tifosi.
There is added pressure on Ferrari as well. McLaren brought their first upgrade package at Miami last weekend and it worked wonders. Lando Norris secured the first Grand Prix win of his career and Ferrari will be hoping for a similar level of performance with their upgrades on 19 May.
Ferrari look to replicate McLaren’s Miami GP success at Imola
According to the disclosures made to the FIA, McLaren had brought 10 upgrades to the Miami GP. These included a fully reworked front and rear suspension along with other revised aerodynamic and performance related upgrades.
The car, during the Grand Prix on Sunday, looked pound-for-pound, the fastest on the grid. A testament to this being the fact that after taking advantage of the Safety Car, Norris pipped Max Verstappen for the lead. And he won the race finishing 7.6 seconds ahead of the Dutchman.
In Miami 2023, McLaren had the worst race pace.
In 2024, they won the race. https://t.co/ik1AhukUn6— Holiness (@F1BigData) May 7, 2024
Ferrari will also be looking to make the most of their upgrades. Their aim would be to slash the performance gap to McLaren and Red Bull. However, in reality, the team will also be eyeing a win at Imola. Or at the very least, register a double-podium finish.
The front-end of the field keeps getting closer in terms of performance, six races into the 2024 season. McLaren pulled the trigger on its development and Ferrari is set to potentially follow suit.
With Red Bull still the strongest on paper, an exciting and competitive battle between the three is on the cards.
