Ferrari with most reliable 2011 car so far

Ferrari’s new car has been the most reliable of the 2011 pre-season, according to an analysis by Auto Motor und Sport.

The German report said that the F150 already has 800 more kilometres on its odometer than its nearest competitor, Red Bull’s RB7.

“From what we have seen so far, we are in a good position,” admitted Fernando Alonso, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport.

But Red Bull is also happy.  “We have never had such a trouble-free testing season,” said team boss Christian Horner.

Just 100 kilometres behind Red Bull in the pre-season reliability stakes is Mercedes, followed by Sauber and Williams.

With 1,500kms fewer than Ferrari’s 5,200km is Renault, but Nick Heidfeld is impressed with the innovative R31, particularly the KERS system.

“It’s better than with BMW,” said the German, referring to his former team, “particularly with regard to the impact during braking.”

Also with quite an impressive winter behind it is the Red Bull ‘B’ team, Toro Rosso, ranking just seventh in the reliability ranking but crucially ahead of McLaren.

“Considering that we are still a young team, we have done a very good job with reliability,” agreed Sebastien Buemi.  “We have had only minor problems, and quite often it was just stoppages to be on the safe side.”

In ninth place out of F1’s 12 teams is Virgin.  “Compared to 2010, there is no comparison,” said a satisfied Timo Glock, before joking: “We can’t have any problems with KERS because we haven’t got one!”

Force India is just tenth, ahead of Team Lotus, whose reliability was better only than the unranked HRT, who have not yet launched a 2011 car.

Lotus has switched since 2010 to Renault power and a Red Bull rear end, but Heikki Kovalainen said the biggest problem has been the diffuser.

“When you first have a blown diffuser, you pay dearly,” said the Finn.  “Even the bigger teams found this out last year.”

© RIF | GMM