Following the difficult FP2 of the Japanese GP, Carlos Sainz reveals his sensations on this race weekend.
Sainz's words after FP2 in Japan
Two weeks before his victory at Australian GP, the Spanish driver is full of confidence in Suzuka. According to him, this is mainly due to the SF24 and it has little to do with his early-season strength. He has remained so far positively surprised by the difference, in his opinion minima, among the services of Ferrari and those of Red Bull, however he is a little worried.
Interviewed by F1TV, Sainz says that important improvements have occurred compared to last season: “Nelle FP1 we were closer to the Red Bulls than I expected. These are positive signs and indicate the progress made in the last five months. Of course, during the first free practice you know with which engine setting and with what amount of fuel the Red Bull is driving.” Therefore the Spaniard's confidence depends on the fact that: "Then, driving just two tenths slower in FP1 gives a good feeling, ed it's a good start".
The fight gets interesting
However, Sainz he is still not convinced that he can easily beat Red Bull this weekend in Japan with his teammate: “It will be difficult to beat them this weekend. Even with McLaren and Mercedes the situation seems very tense“. So the fight is wide open with McLaren and Mercedes. But: “Red Bull is ahead of us, but maybe not as much as I thought. It promises to be an interesting fight."
The interview with Sainz after FP2 of the Japanese GP ends with the question of whether his confidence has also improved. Considering the positive start to the season, he replies: “I was confident in Bahrain. I was confident in Jeddah, I was confident in Australia too, and also This weekend we started off strong. We did some good winter testing, yesWe are understanding the machine well and we've found a setting that seems to work everywhere. The car is better this year. This helps".
Source statements: Motorsport.com
