Enthusiasts eager to see Ferrari's highly anticipated SF-24 upgrades at Fiorano were instead treated to an unexpected spectacle. Before the SF-24 took to the track, Ferrari's reserve driver Ollie Bearman showcased the 2022 F1-75 model equipped with a novel feature: massive splash guards on all four tires. This innovation, captured vividly by Formu1a.uno, is part of the sport's governing body's ongoing initiatives to improve racing in wet conditions.
While Ferrari prepared the SF-24 for later runs, the early testing focused on these splash guards, previously trialed by Mercedes. Although not yet ready for production, the splash guards have shown promise in managing the spray from the tires, although challenges remain with spray from other car components.
The session at Fiorano included simulations of wet conditions to test the guards' effectiveness further, captured in striking images showing both Bearman and Arthur Leclerc navigating the soaked track. Amidst these trials, Pirelli's "full wet" tire technology was also highlighted, designed to handle significant water displacement but still contributing to reduced visibility due to spray.
While the FIA continues to evaluate the potential of splash guards, Ferrari fans remain keenly interested in the SF-24's enhancements and their potential to narrow the gap to Red Bull this season.
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