I wonder if people would share what they go for and data they look for during testing/practise
I usually do 1 long stint on the hards to get the fuel consumption followed by another long sting on the hards fuel corrected. Then I'll do a long stint on the softs followed by a few quick laps to get quali fuel consumption.
If i have a lot of new parts, then i usually throw in an additional long stint.
I usually then take the hard stint and soft stint and work out the quickest route to the finish with that data.
What routine do you guys go for, and if you want to why
If I have parts to reveal I just do many many laps at a slow pace to get the data for the parts. I then like to do some race simulation runs to see my fuel and tyre wear for given stints. If they look good I will use them in the race, if not I try again until I am happy with the times they give. All the while the setup takes care of itself.
I wouldnt just throw in a long stint for fuel consumption because this changes based on the weight of the car. If I am planning a 15 lap stint for example, the fuel consumption from a 30 lap testing stint wouldn't be totally accurate (but not far out I admit) I try to be as exact as possible with this data so I can minimize the amount of fuel I use in the race.
Race simulation runs are normally the way to go for me.
This season however i am nowhere near the top 10 so i just concentrate on getting the fuel usage stats and tyre info i need to make sure i finish the race.
I don't do nearly as much as I used to do since it's not as unforgiving as pitwall 1.0 when tires blew left right and center; now they last forever.
I now run set-up laps only with unlocking new parts. I will unlock a few fuel settings but the fastest is always Risk a lot & 130% (depending on drivers skills). Last If I feel like it then I will throw down a quick lap or two.
I don't test tires since I have a basic understanding that every one is running 1-2 stop races meaning if I decided to run 1 stop this means hard and 2 stop means short. Strategy isn't that important atm with the tires lasting even after they reach terrible since stopping cost you more time then staying on the track.
I used to look at tire data and short stints versus long stints, under cuts and holding the pack for a single car aspect of the strategy but as mentioned strategy is straight forward for the most part now.
there should be a 'cliff' (richard) after okay/unsure so big drop in speed before even worse drops at bad level and beyond - at the very least a cliff after terrible!
I normally do low risk engine runs to get teh set up right then a highest risk rist and a normal. I have once come across normal being close to high risk. Then a qualy lap or two which will decide who gets the lightest car for the race.
@Tom: Yeah I had the same issue with tires last season which is why a whole bunch of us switched this season since you are simple giving away too much grip and speed in the tires. If you are going to spend top dollar for suppliers then tires is number 1.
Engines, brakes & fuel are closer together so you need to weigh the options.
Edit* If you changed to better tire supplier you would only be about a second back and have a better chance to fight for points.
I also agree that tires need to have a large drop at Terrible so that it forces us to change tires. I used to have data on this but stopped collecting. Different topic and will not post it here.
Testing again is only for two things now set-up & unlocking parts.
