It gets worse and worse! The new crown epidemic affects Ferrari factory operations and also affects F1 pre-season testing

Text/Ruan Jincheng?

As of February 27, the number of confirmed cases of coronavirus in Italy has reached 455, which is much higher than other countries in Europe (other countries are in single digits).

Ferrari factory gate

The increasingly severe epidemic has not only seriously affected Italy’s tourism industry, but also affected the normal operation of the Ferrari factory, and also affected Ferrari’s 2020 F1 Pre-season testing, although the test was at the Circuit de Catalunya in Spain.

It is reported that the outbreak in Italy mainly occurs in the Lombardy region, including Milan. Most of the more than 220 cases of coronavirus infection in Italy are concentrated here. The local area has effectively blocked more than a dozen towns, closed schools, businesses and restaurants, and canceled public events.

Ferrari’s factory and headquarters are located in Maranello in southern Lombardy.

Ferrari’s Maranello factory not only produces various models of Ferrari supercars, but also takes over most of the research and development of F1 racing cars. Therefore, this is also a pilgrimage place for Ferrari fans from all over the world.

At the New Year of 2020, Ferrari released a set of photos of its Maranello headquarters factory. As an ultra-luxury brand and a Ferrari that combines track spirit, the Maranello headquarters factory is very modern. Although much of the production process of Ferrari supercars is manual, it also uses very cutting-edge technical equipment and materials.

The factory also has a state-of-the-art wind tunnel and a test track familiar to racing fans. According to the latest report from CNBC, Ferrari has suspended factory tours and closed two museums near its headquarters.

Ferrari has the most advanced wind tunnel

However, only the museum and the most popular factory tours are closed, but Ferrari said it has not stopped production. In addition, the Ferrari factory has also restricted the entry and exit of residents or employees who have visited the affected cities, and stopped all non-essential business travel.

But Ferrari also said: "If necessary, the latest control measures will be implemented and communicated immediately." Ferrari's stock price has fallen this week due to various adverse rumors.

In fact, after the outbreak, not only Ferrari, but also many car companies including Volkswagen of Germany have implemented protective measures such as restricting employee activities. If the epidemic does not continue to be serious, many large-scale automotive events in Europe will still go ahead as planned. For example, the MWC World Mobile Communications Show in Spain held at the end of February has been cancelled, but at the same time, the F1 pre-season test in Spain is still going on.

Speaking of the Catalunya Circuit in Spain, this is the designated track for F1’s official pre-season test every year. The Mediterranean climate keeps the temperature in Catalonia from being too low, and its location in Europe is very convenient for transportation by major fleets. But the most important thing is that the track contains corners at various speeds, which also makes it the best test track for F1.

However, the new crown epidemic has still affected F1 pre-season testing to some extent, and the biggest impact may be on Ferrari.

Scuderia Ferrari has introduced restrictions on employees who live in Italy or have visited the most affected areas of Italy, banning them from entering the team. Because Ferrari's Italian employees account for the vast majority, it will have some impact, especially during the pre-race testing phase when time is most valuable.

Ferrari’s pre-season test results were mediocre

Similar restrictions also apply to McLaren. The F1 team headquartered in Silverstone, England, has banned anyone visiting in the past two weeks. Personnel who have passed through China enter their area.

The Mercedes team is still leading the way

The first round of F1's two-round pre-season testing has already been conducted. According to the latest test results, the six-time world champion Mercedes team has maintained a strong momentum, with both drivers achieving the first and second fastest lap times. Moreover, their innovative use of the DAS (dual-axis steering system) system has become a hot topic and may become their secret to victory in the new season.

The Ferrari team's pre-season test performance was mediocre, and Ferrari explained that "the aerodynamic package of the car did not work." Most fans are not optimistic about the performance of the Ferrari F1 team in 2020. Some netizens even joked: "If the epidemic cannot be controlled and F1 is canceled in 2020, it may be the only way for Ferrari to prevent Mercedes from winning seven consecutive championships."

However, pre-season test results can usually only be used as a reference, and the true strength will not be known until the start of the Australian F1 race in March.

What’s interesting is that every year, Ferrari’s pre-season testing is very high-profile, being the fastest but failing miserably in the race. Ferrari has become very low-key this year, which can only explain that they have hidden too much strength. Maybe there will be something for Ferrari this year!

This article comes from the author of Autohome Chejiahao and does not represent the views and positions of Autohome.