Ferrari's 'dream' test start meets a 'very, very long' to-do list

Ferrari's SF-26 enjoyed a flawless and productive first day of pre-season testing in Barcelona, but the team's chief race engineer warns a massive checklist of car understanding and optimization tasks remains before the Bahrain Grand Prix.

Why it matters:

A reliable start is crucial for any team with a new car, but converting that initial mileage into performance gains is the real challenge. Ferrari's extensive list of items to "sign off" highlights the intense race against time all teams face to be ready for the first race, with no room for complacency despite a strong opening day.

The details:

• The SF-26 ran reliably for 120 laps (561km) on its first day, a tally described as a "dream" start compared to past regulation introductions.
• Chief Race Engineer Matteo Togninalli emphasized that completing the program was the "most important point," downplaying any early performance readings.
• The team's immediate focus is on fundamental understanding, as the car is "completely new" in terms of tires, aerodynamics, and power unit behavior.
• A condensed preparation timeline was noted, with Togninalli stating the team arrived "very tight" to the test, a situation reflected across the paddock with some teams facing parts shortages.

What's next:

With dry weather expected for the remaining test days, Ferrari will shift from pure data collection to optimization. The focus will be on working through the "very, very long list" of measurements, characterizations, and setup items to prepare for Bahrain. The true competitive picture will only begin to emerge once the team can run in consistent dry conditions and make direct comparisons with rivals.