A bit of a Ferrari opaque in qualifying for the Japanese GP. P4 e P8 for Carlos Sainz and respectively Charles Leclerc. In a circuit like Suzuka where overtaking is complicated, start a little further back changes certainly floors. Let's see the words of team principal Frederic Vasseur, at the end of qualifying in Suzuka.
Vasseur on the race: “It's difficult to have a clear picture. Fundamental first lap"
Intervened at the microphones of SkySportF1, the Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur he explained that, in Suzuka, despite having shown a good pace, having a clear picture of the race is difficult: “Understanding what tomorrow might be like is difficult. From fourth to ninth place there is a tenth, so we are all very close. With the compact group, the first lap will be fundamental".
“Degradation under control, too bad for Charles”
The Frenchman went on to reveal what degradation on the SF-24 looked like checked: “In free practice the degradation seemed under control. Obviously such a qualification compromises tomorrow's race, and obviously we must aspire to a better positioning. I don't think Charles made any mistakes – continued Vasseur, explaining how what happened to Leclerc was the result of Q1 – The only mistake could have been made in the first phase with that lap which compromised qualification. Obviously this is a shame for Leclerc, because I think we could have done better today."
“The race could go well tomorrow, we need to get out of the big group cleanly”
Vasseur concluded his interview by confirming his words regarding the degradation. However, in his view, not everyone had the same engine mapping: “We can do well tomorrow, the pace is there. Probably no one had the same engine maps or petrol loads. What matters is that the degradation was low, and for us it was. If we can get out of the first lap clean and with clean air in front we can do very well".
ARTICLE BY FRANCESCO ORLANDO
