Daniel Ricciardo has tentatively suggested new aerodynamic rules in Formula 1 this season have made an impact.
In an effort to allow for closer racing, the front and rear wings have been widened and simplified as well as other changes to the bargeboards and brake ducts.
While many designers have been sceptical and some teams complained of the development cost, the Australian does think it might have been worth it having followed another car during testing.
“I did [on Wednesday] and it actually seemed alright, but at the time I was lapping quite a bit quicker [than the car in front],” the Renault driver noted.
“I don’t know what car it was but I assumed they had more fuel so maybe that’s why it was easier for me to follow.
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“If that was a like for like, it felt better but I don’t want to get too excited. We’re still going to feel it, don’t get me wrong, but I would like to think that was a sign that we might feel it a bit less.”
Earlier in the week though, Lewis Hamilton played down the changes, saying: “For me, it’s the same. In terms of feeling, hardly anything has changed. The foundation is just the same.”
It was noticeable, however, how powerful the DRS has become in the new configuration with several drivers seen breezing past other cars down the straight in Barcelona.
There was also claims that lap times would be slower because of the changes but according to Ricciardo, little has changed in the performance.
“I feel it hasn’t been that obvious, he said. “I feel like it’s been decent but I kind of feel like everyone has a pretty decent car at the moment.
“Like I said, to be in the 1m 17s or even the 1m 18s, you’re kind of humming.
“Turn 3 would be flat, Turn 9’s probably flat. The car’s probably not doing too much wrong, but it’s [hard to say]. There are no alarm bells.”
