Report: Ferrari F1 Cherish Massive Upper Hand Over Rivals Amidst Recent Breakthrough at Maranello

Merely days after Mercedes caught the media’s attention by firing up their 2022 F1 challenger W13 for the first time, Ferrari have managed to reclaim the spotlight with a major breakthrough amidst the impending winter test in Barcelona.

Ever since the beginning of 2020, the Reds have been in the pursuit of glory, and in the hopes of achieving their long-dreamt target (ending the title drought), they even sacrificed the possible developments surrounding the 2021 season’s SF21.

Well, now the hard work seems to be paying off at Maranello, as Ferrari have homologated the chassis of their 2022 challenger, Project 674. What’s more, Ferrari have also managed to clear the frontal crash test, having recently received the much-yearned thumbs up from the FIA.

Ferrari take a major step forward

It is to be noted that this is technically the second time Ferrari carried out the crash test. Prior to December 2021, the Maranello outfit also carried out a test following the end of the 2020 season to understand the constraints surrounding the new regulations.

Formula One F1 – Mexico Grand Prix – Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, Mexico City, Mexico – November 6, 2021 Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc in action with Carlos Sainz Jr. during practice REUTERS/Henry Romero

Unfortunately for the sport, the pandemic forced F1 and FIA to postpone the regulatory changes by a year to 2022. Meanwhile, for Ferrari, it turned out to be a blessing, as the 2020 crash test helped them gather enough knowledge about how the regulation changes might affect the car.

Hence, a solid year in hand for Ferrari to make the few much-needed changes to put themselves up in front by the time F1 flags off the 2022 season. Interestingly, Ferrari weren’t the only team that took part in the crash test back in 2020; Apart from the Reds, Renault (now Alpine), too, carried out the test.

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Where did the test take place?

As always, Ferrari carried out the dynamic test in Bollate, Italy, according to Motorsport. This is because this CSI center situated in Milan has the recognition of the International Federation.

Formula One F1 – Turkish Grand Prix – Intercity Istanbul Park, Istanbul, Turkey – October 9, 2021 Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc in action during practice REUTERS/Murad Sezer

For other English teams, including Aston Martin, McLaren, and Williams, the test often takes place at the Cranfield facility, which is situated near Red Bull’s headquarters in Milton Keynes.

So, with Ferrari and Haas passing the crash test well before the end of 2021, will the two teams head into the 2022 season holding onto what could be a major advantage over their rivals?

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