MUCH ADO ABOUT MUGELLO.

So the testing session in Mugello is complete and, just like the pre-season tests before it, it doesn't really give us much of an indication as to how the pack will perform in coming races and how teams match up to their counterparts.

I think the most interesting news we can take from the test is the major redesign the F2012 has gone under. It's the first big upgrade Ferrari have added to their below-par car and according to technical experts their exhaust exit and rear bodywork redesign could give them about 0.2 seconds in lap time. Ferrari tried to be revolutionary with their package at the start of the season but ended up being further behind their main rivals than they were originally. The team actually seems to be more in competition with the midfield as opposed to the frontrunners- even if they do have a race win under their belts. We will, however, find out soon enough whether their upgrades can make a difference to performance when Formula 1 returns to Europe for the Spanish Grand Prix.

There's not much use in discussing lap times because teams are on different programmes and are more focused on learning more about their cars than setting fast laps. Red Bull were among those trying to better understand the 2012 Pirelli tyres but the team is expected to take an upgrade package to Spain. But if you are interested Grosjean topped the timesheets today in his Lotus, he did the same on Wednesday but had to share the much-coveted(!) top spot with Kamui Kobayashi's Sauber and Fernando Alonso went fastest on the first day in Mugello on Tuesday.

I, for one, am very pleased about the return of in-season testing and hope that it stays for 2013. Not only does it fill time between Grands Prix but it also adds to the excitement and unpredictability in performance, especially with a season as tight as this one, because teams can bring updates with more confidence and knowledge about how they work. Spain can't come fast enough if you ask me!

Aqsa

P.S. I learnt how to make my images bigger... Can you tell?

(Images: BBC Sport website) 

LOOKING AHEAD TO MUGELLO.

In -season testing is a great opportunity for teams to bring new updates to their cars and see how they will work. They already, after four races, know a lot about their cars and certainly a lot more than they know in pre-season testing meaning they have more of an idea as to what their car needs for improved performance. It's the first time since 2008 that the teams have had this chance so it will be interesting to see how much teams benefit from it and how much progress it enables them to make. And it's a great way to fill the 3-week gap between Grands Prix that we must sadly endure.

McLaren's Jenson Button and possibly Lewis Hamilton won't be at the Mugello test because "there aren't any massive updates to try" according to the former. McLaren have had impressive pace so far so they may not see the point of more updates but if their rivals, like Red Bull, do have updates McLaren may be ruing a lost opportunity. Lewis Hamilton has indicated his desire to take part in the test but the team have not yet altered their plans and their test drivers Gary Paffett and Oliver Turvey are set to drive instead. 

The next Grand Prix won't be until 13th May in Spain and the fact that there is a test before it means more unpredictability in the season is to be expected. Many of the top teams will be seeking to work on and eliminate their weaknesses thus far and that can surely only mean they will become closer in terms of performance.

More on Mugello and other F1 news as and when I can update!

Aqsa