P for Testing & other Talking Points - 2023 Formula 1 Season

Yes, P for testing it is. You have to tune in to know why!

In this episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast, the trio (Soumil, @f1statsguru & Kunal), get together to discuss the main talking points from the upcoming (& only) pre-season test in Bahrain.

MEET US: 26th February in Mumbai. Venue: Palladium Social (from 5-7pm)

We will discuss best moments from Drive to Survive (season 5) + stories from pre-season testing. And of course, an engaging F1 quiz hosted by @f1statsguru.

India's most-experienced Formula 1 journalists (FIA-accredited) Abhishek Takle will be our guest for the upcoming F1 Pitstop with the Inside Line F1 Podcast.

Get your access pass (INR 299 per person) on Paytm Insider.

Will porpoising continue to trouble teams? How will the rookies fare, and what about the 'young' Fernando Alonso?

Nico Hulkenberg hasn't been at work full-time since 3 years. Also, new design innovations, FIA-F1 friction and above all else, the lack of absolute clarity as to who is the quickest (or in fact, the slowest) from testing. 

There's a lot of banter and information to look forward to in this episode. Tune in!

(Season 2023, Episode 6)

Follow our hosts on Twitter: Soumil Arora, Sundaram Ramaswami and Kunal Shah

Image courtesy: Aston Martin F1 Team

**Pre-Season Testing: A Detailed Analysis**

The Inside Line F1 Podcast trio (Soumil, Sundaram Ramaswami, and Kunal Shah) reconvene to discuss the upcoming pre-season testing in Bahrain, the only testing session before the start of the 2023 Formula One season.

**Key Talking Points:**

1. **Porpoising:** Will the porpoising issue that plagued teams in 2022 continue to be a problem? How will teams address it with the new technical directive in place?

2. **Rookies and Fernando Alonso:** How will the rookies, Oscar Piastri, Nick DeVries, and Logan Sargent, perform in their first pre-season testing? Will Fernando Alonso's experience and adaptability be an advantage for Aston Martin?

3. **Weight Saving and Innovations:** Several teams, including Mercedes, have openly stated their intention to reduce their car weight below the minimum limit, utilizing ballast to optimize performance. This could provide an advantage, especially for Mercedes, who also unveiled a striking black livery to convey a message against racism and discrimination.

4. **Sandbagging and PR Laps:** Teams often engage in sandbagging during pre-season testing, concealing their true pace by running with more fuel loads and lower engine modes. PR laps, where teams set quick times on low fuel on the final day of testing, are also common.

5. **Team Dynamics and Body Language:** The body language and communication of teams, particularly Ferrari under new team principal Fred Vasseur, will be closely observed for signs of confidence and stability.

**Insights, Perspectives, and Controversies:**

- Mercedes' weight-saving efforts and the effectiveness of their new sidepod design, dubbed the "0.5 pod," are intriguing.

- Alpine's increased aero testing time compared to top teams like Mercedes, Red Bull, and Ferrari could yield promising results.

- The consistency of team car naming conventions, such as McLaren's MCL60, is questioned.

- The limited testing time (three days instead of the previous six) may impact teams' ability to complete their planned mileage.

- The possibility of teams running only one car during testing, as suggested by George Russell, is discussed.

**Highlighted Quotes:**

- "There's a lot of banter and information to look forward to in this episode. Tune in!" - Soumil Arora

- "I'm guessing nobody guessed that when Somil asked, are we all going to focus on the P word, people meant pre-season testing." - Sundaram Ramaswami

- "I'm really, really keen on seeing how much, how much of an on-track advantage it gives to all teams in general." - Sundaram Ramaswami on Mercedes' weight-saving measures

- "I don't think so we're going to be betting on Ferrari anytime soon this season." - Kunal Shah on the team's championship chances

- "The one driver I'm most excited to see is Oscar Piastri." - Sundaram Ramaswami on the highly-rated rookie

**Overall Message:**

The pre-season testing in Bahrain is a crucial opportunity for teams to assess their cars' performance, identify areas for improvement, and gather valuable data ahead of the upcoming season. While sandbagging and PR laps may create uncertainty, the testing provides insights into the competitiveness of teams and the potential for surprises in the 2023 Formula One season.