"Do not feel the big difference"

(Motorsport-Total.com) – The big question after the first of two days of Pirelli testing in Abu Dhabi was as follows: the Italian rubber manufacturer in the new tire mixes for the 2019 season could he already do so that the tires overheat less easily and the drivers need to set the tone? "At the moment, I do not feel the big difference," said the fastest man of the day, Sebastian Vettel, who has signed his best time with the old Hypersoft tires. But: "The tires seem to work and be very similar."

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Sebastian Vettel has not seen much difference in the new Pirelli tires zoom

He doubted that the Mexican weekend discussions, when the drivers, the teams and Pirelli agreed on a new strategy, already had an impact on the development of the tire for 2019. "This conversation has took place just three weeks ago.It had no effect on these tires.It is more of a long-term project, "says Ferrari driver, who like many colleagues, would like to go further. "I'm not waiting for anything, because, if I understand correctly, the tires are ready for next year."

He still had no real clue as he had not practically finished the race simulations on Tuesday: "I would have liked to do a few more long laps, which we could not do today. " I hope Charles will have a little more driving tomorrow and will get more answers. "The starting point was cheap:" The impressions of the weekend are still fresh, because we can compare well. "

Less differences between blends

But apart from the thinner tread, are there any differences between the 2018 and 2019 mixes? "Pirelli explains that the bandwidth has been slightly reduced," said Vettel. "The Hypersoft is a bit closer to the rest, and the hard tire that we have not driven today either."

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Vettel understands that driver requirements have not yet been implemented zoom

The most exciting question, however, is "how do you define the tire choice for next year and which Pirelli tires are on which routes," says Vettel. "It can make more difference than the transition from 2018 to 2019."

Although Vettel had the fastest lap in asphalt on Yas Island, his last day at SF71H was not without problems. Already in the morning, he had slipped off the track in the first corner and had damaged the rear. "Unfortunately, replacing the broken parts took a little longer," he admits. Nevertheless, they have "collected a lot of data and we are going to examine them now."

Vettel: Ferrari knows the problems now

What would he miss the most after his last day in the 2018 race car at SF71H? "The fifth title!", Answers Vettel with intelligence. "We know very well what was missing and we fought for most of the season, and this has been clearly demonstrated in recent races."

Although the vice-world champion does not mention the problem by name, he admits that the highs and lows since the victory of Kimi Raikkonen in Austin provide clues, indicating a problem of correlation between the wind tunnel and the track. "We are working to solve this problem for next year, find the balance and make the car faster," Vettel promised. "Let's see what impact the new rules will have and how fast the cars will go, fast enough to have fun!"

However, the current test day is not very important for the upcoming season as teams are not allowed to use experimental pieces. "It was important to have an idea of ​​the tires, but that's about it all," he concludes. "Then we'll see how they work in combination with the cars next year."

Is he already on deserved vacation with his head? "There are still some things to do!" He said. "By the end of December, it will be calmer, so I'm going to hide somewhere."