- Jul 1, 2018
- 4,311
When the last Pampa Energia car crossed the checkered flag, moods could not be lower in the argentine team's boxes. The first IRC Season was certainly not wha tthey hoped for, and only in the final races they managed to increase their pace and level a little bit, to barely stay aflot among the middle pack of teams. A lot of effort was then put into improving on the existing car and developing the skills of mechanics, management and drivers. So, obviously this horrendous saison debut was not expected by even the most pesimistic supporters. 18th and 19th our of 24 cars, 3 of which retired, and 1 lap down from the race leaders.
There was not a single explanation for this, the car was not optimally set for the curves and straights of the Gilles Villeneuve Circuit, the drivers could have avoided some mistakes and the race strategy was far from ideal, being the tire selection a big gamble that turned into a big loss.
Now, with 2 weeks ahead before the next Grand Prix in the Unites States, a lot of work had to be done to improve and to at least try to aim to the point positions. With 12 teams participating this year, and being Pampa only one of the few cosntructors repeating from last season, it was a matter of pride not being so easily overtaken by "rookie" teams. The mechanics and engineers began working hard into improving the vehicle with a small upgrade package, using the data gathere in Montreal and pre-season testing. This resulted in the performance being improved in the area of maneuverability (+2 development points), an aspect that was deemed essential for the upcoming curvy races.
Meanwhile, the drivers would go back to the study room to look over the layout of the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, and to review their last races mistakes.
The only good thing was that it is almost impossible to do worse than in Canada, and there only one way, up.
There was not a single explanation for this, the car was not optimally set for the curves and straights of the Gilles Villeneuve Circuit, the drivers could have avoided some mistakes and the race strategy was far from ideal, being the tire selection a big gamble that turned into a big loss.
Now, with 2 weeks ahead before the next Grand Prix in the Unites States, a lot of work had to be done to improve and to at least try to aim to the point positions. With 12 teams participating this year, and being Pampa only one of the few cosntructors repeating from last season, it was a matter of pride not being so easily overtaken by "rookie" teams. The mechanics and engineers began working hard into improving the vehicle with a small upgrade package, using the data gathere in Montreal and pre-season testing. This resulted in the performance being improved in the area of maneuverability (+2 development points), an aspect that was deemed essential for the upcoming curvy races.
Meanwhile, the drivers would go back to the study room to look over the layout of the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, and to review their last races mistakes.
The only good thing was that it is almost impossible to do worse than in Canada, and there only one way, up.
