IMSA Test Day No. 3: Ferrari's future plus new tires, speedy BMWs, Ford vs. Chevy and more
We're through Turn 3 (well, technically, Day 3 of the four-day IMSA test at Daytona International Speedway), and we're heading for home with the concluding session on Saturday.
Meanwhile, here's some of the top news bits from Day 3 on Friday:
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Will Ferrari Find Its Way To The GTP Grid In The Future?
The first three days of this week’s four-day IMSA test at Daytona International Speedway gave us five Ferraris on the entry list: four in GTD and one in GTD Pro.
While five may seem small for the manufacturer, it is arguably the most Ferraris that have come onto the grid in recent memory, begging the question as to when will Ferrari make that all but illusive jump to the GTP class.
It isn't out of the question given that the manufacturer produces well over 2,500 road cars in a year, one of IMSA requirements when joining the grid. But is Ferrari ready to make the addition?
Obviously, AF Corse is a regular in the IMSA series, running many races in the past few seasons. However, it doesn't seem that the manufacturer would want to make the move.
Even though they have the partnership that is ready to jump into the waters that is the GTP class, there seems to be some hesitation, which is a shame for the class.
Not only would it be great to see an AF Corse Ferrari GTP on grid, but it has also definitely shown that it can be a team to be reckoned with, coming off a historic first season at WEC.
Not to mention seeing a rivalry that could blossom between the two Italian manufacturers – Lamborghini and Ferrari in the GTP class – the Ferrari prototype could be a huge success not only in itself but also for the series.
If Ferrari were to jump to IMSA, adding to their WEC program, they would be the seventh manufacturer to be on the GTP grid, if you include the incoming Heart of Racing Aston Martin LMDh for next season.
While it may make the manufacturer field a bit loaded, there truly are never enough manufacturers in what is a growing series.
Having Ferrari join would be a major hybrid car domino that would fall. However, you begin to wonder, which other teams may make the move.
Could Acura add to an already jammed WEC lineup? Or could Toyota finally test itself in IMSA?
There is a lot to speculate on which cars could come aboard and the possibilities are endless. But after seeing five Ferrari entries in this week’s test, it makes one wonder when will the time come when the Italian super car juggernaut joins up with North America’s premier sports car series.
Day Three IMSA Testing: GTD Classes Setting Performance Standards For 2024
Day Three of IMSA Sanctioned Test days brought the first of the two GTD-only days with teams providing data to set the B.O.P standards for the 2024 season.
Also to note, with the GTD classes running a new tire compound for 2024, the Pilot Sport Pro Michelin, these days were some of the first chances to see how the tire fares on track.
Although it may have seemed like a slower day on track, not having some of the noticeable prototypes, there were a lot of important notables to discuss in regard to developments and performance for the manufacturers.
Add some new rubber
As mentioned, the new tire that is scheduled to be on track for 2024 saw a good glimpse at how it will handle the track, and so far, there seem to be distinct positives and reviews.
For one, it seems like the tire handled well on track, with no real issues in regard to cut tires or even cars not gripping well to the track.
Obviously, it is hard to tell what the lifespan of these tires will be, given that teams are making more constant pit stops for testing with driver changes and stoppages. But there are good signs that the tires should be pretty reliable.
It will be interesting to see how the tire performs, especially in these lengthy races such as the Rolex 24 and even the Roar Before The 24, when the tire will truly be tested in a somewhat racing capacity.
Practice Makes Perfect
For the most part, these tests allow for teams to adjust and get valuable feedback on the car in different situations.
However, for some of these drivers, it's about gaining that seat time behind the wheel.
Especially for drivers such as Daniel Juncadella, Harry Tincknell and other drivers who jumped aboard new rides for 2024, even switching manufacturers, it is about getting comfortable in the car.
Some teams tried to tandem, going out on track at similar times, such as the Multimatic Mustangs. But for the most part, each team kind of had their own unique testing strategy leading into the event.
Other teams that looked solid out on the track have been the BMWs, showing great speed throughout the week, but there still is stuff that needs to be answered.
Not having official times, it is hard to tell how true much of this is until next month’s Roar, but there are definitely signs of improvement and gains for teams.
Final Thoughts
Looking back at the three open test days during this week, the major stories were the "New Kids on The Block," with some of IMSA's newest entries finding great early successes during the series-sanctioned test.
The Iron Lynx was the biggest mover on the grid, topping some of the unofficial time charts in the team's first-ever US test.
But seeing how some of the other new cars performed on grid on the site, and only a few issues coming in regard to the Corvettes on Thursday, there is definitely a sense of the changing landscape that is IMSA.
There should be many exciting rivalries that will take place next season, including Ford and Chevrolet, and even how the GTP class will smooth itself out -- but only time will tell.