There is still room for an improved Ferrari, according to Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, who expect a very close encounter on Saturday and tire difficulties on Sunday in Barcelona.
The modified Ferrari was unexpected and didn’t make much difference. The team tested the racing machine equipped with new side boxes and floorboards in Barcelona. They hope that the improvements will subside and make the SF-23 more predictable, as well as allow it to be developed at a faster rate in the long term.
Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc ran a comparative test during the first free practice session: the former received the new package, the latter running the old version. 7-8. They finished the first hour in time, Leclerc three-hundredths faster than his teammate. This difference between them remained until the afternoon, when the Monaco driver also drove the new car. The two Ferraris improved by one position, 6-7. finished in place.
“We tested the new developments. It’s hard to compare. Charles and I obviously did a comparison, but I just got it and went with it. Now we’re tuning the car, trying to set the balance.” Sainz reported at the end of the day.
Leclerc also appreciated the innovations. “This is a great track to test these developments. It felt good. We still have a lot to improve with the new package, but the feelings were very good.” He said.
“Step by step, we are trying to get more and more of the car, to reach levels that we have not yet reached because we did not have time. This is a common process when introducing innovations. We are slowly moving in the desired direction.
Both rivals were still not sure what they could do with Barcelona’s improvements against the others. “It’s going to be tight. The field was particularly united today.” Sainz said. “Of course, we don’t know the fuel levels and the engine modes. There were two cars from the middle that joined the leading teams and met each other. I expect it to happen again like in Monaco. It shows that the field is getting denser. It will be a big challenge in qualifying.”
Charles Leclerc (Photo: XPB)Leclerc stated:
“I think the fight is tighter than ever! Except for Red Bull, where they don’t have to fear anyone, especially not at a racing pace. But everyone else is so much together. Whoever is up front will run a full lap in qualifying.”
According to Sainz, they can’t let him out even for a moment because of that. We need to fix the car by Saturday and Sunday. announce. He gave the usual answer to the question of what they need most. “We simply have to focus on the pace of the race, as always. We need to improve the pace of the race because we are struggling in this area.”
It wouldn’t be easy on a rubber-killing track for Ferrari, which until now was considered a rubber-eater. Leclerc said in this regard: “The track is better than it was, more challenging with the last two corners, and they are very fast. But above all, tire management will be crucial. Better than before. So it will be an exciting race.”
