At the Suzuka Grand Prix, Stake F1 showcased a marked improvement in their pit stops, highlighting a promising progression for the team.
According to Track Engineering Director Xevi Pujolar, the race unfolded smoothly without any issues with stubborn wheel nuts, an encouraging advance for Stake F1.
This season, Stake F1 has grappled with technical complications during pit stops. A shift in the design philosophy for front suspension for the 2024 season prevented the team from reverting to previous equipment, compelling them to devise a new solution for an issue that had gone undetected in pre-season testing.
Unfortunately, Guanyu Zhou was unable to complete the race or all planned stops due to a gearbox failure on lap 20, while Valtteri Bottas finished in 14th position.
Historically, Stake F1 has recorded slower pit stops at the Japanese Grand Prix compared to its rivals. However, Pujolar voiced satisfaction with the team’s performance.
“When you consider the first three races where some of our stops exceeded 50 seconds, I’m pleased with what we achieved at Suzuka.”
“Yes, other teams are executing faster stops, but we’re making steady progress towards a full solution.”
At Suzuka, most teams incurred an average total time loss of 23 to 24 seconds per pit stop (including the time spent entering and exiting the pit lane at 80 km/h). Bottas’s first stop took just under 25 seconds, while Zhou’s stop was a second quicker before his retirement.
However, Bottas’s final stop, amidst a group of cars contending for a top-10 position, lasted just shy of 26 seconds, causing him to lose the edge over those around him.
“It’s a pity, as Valtteri could have finished in the points if not for that. But overall, I’d say we’ve made significant progress, with no major setbacks.”
“The pit stops were reliable, and that’s what we aimed for—consistency and dependability. Speed and performance will follow as all elements come together.”
Stake F1: Evolving Pit Stops Signal Ongoing Progress. Stake F1: Evolving Pit Stops Signal Ongoing Progress
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