The one-two finish in Australia allowed Ferrari to get even closer to Red Bull, which was stopped by some problems on the RB20s of Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez. Strengthened by an excellent performance from the SF-24, the Maranello team wants to repeat itself at Suzuka, an important test bed. To do this it will be necessary to respond to the needs of the circuit which last year highlighted the weak points of the SF-23. An additional challenge will be the unpredictable medium. On the eve of the race weekend in Japan, Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur expressed his point of view on his own abilities and the competition in Suzuka, once again praising the work done over the winter.
Ferrari prepares for Suzuka
Compared to last season, the Suzuka event is one of the first on the calendar. The teams are still learning to know their cars and the Japanese circuit can provide further indications to then direct development in subsequent races. Ferrari is coming off three good races and what is particularly surprising is their consistency. The SF-24 took the podium in all three events and has not yet had any significant problems like the Red Bull.
“It's gone pretty well so far. We have taken a step forward compared to last year. Melbourne was probably the best weekend, but in general the first two rounds of the season also went very well. We weren't far from Red Bull. We achieved four podiums in three weekends, one victory and a double. It's a good start", said Frederic Vasseur during the Tokyo Festival, in view of the Japanese Grand Prix.
However, the Austrian team seems to be able to maintain its superiority over its opponents, who fear it above all in Suzuka, where everyone will start from scratch. At the moment Ferrari seems to be comfortably solid in its position as second force, but in these phases it is important not to underestimate the competition. And by competition we don't just mean Red Bull but also McLaren, the other only team to have achieved the podium in this season opener.
“The season is very, very close. If you look at McLaren behind us, Aston and Mercedes, everyone is very, very close. And every weekend we will have to start from scratch and then push again. This is the DNA of this sport. It's nice to get somewhere and feel like you can win the race, and I think that's the case for a couple of teams."
Ferrari, Vasseur: “Red Bull is the car to beat, but the fight is open in Suzuka”
Last year, McLaren achieved a double podium here at Suzuka, finishing 20 seconds behind Verstappen. The Ferrari SF-24 at the moment seems to be more complete and this gives Vasseur hope, who, despite maintaining a certain prudence, does not hide the enthusiasm of being able to see the single-seater created under his full control, on a circuit as technical as that of Suzuka. One of the main topics will be tire wear, an area in which Ferrari has shown improvement.
“I think the track is the favorite of all the drivers, because it is very exciting. Last year we didn't do very well, but on these types of corners, high speed corners, we improved compared to a year ago. And if you look at the first three rounds, in these corners the gap was limited, we're talking about one or two tenths per lap. It means everything is open although I am convinced that Red Bull will be very strong in Japan”, added Vasseur.
The victory of Carlos Sainz, last race weekend gave a motivational boost to the team, which knows it can count on both drivers to do well. The objective is therefore to annoy Red Bull as much as possible, perhaps to squeeze in between the two RB20s.
“It will be difficult, but everything is open, and I think the fact that we won last week is a good motivation, as well as a boost for everyone in the team. It's an extra motivation for Carlos because his has been an excellent start to the season, for Charles because he wants to do well. It's a good prize for everyone, we are going in the right direction. We hope to do well in Japan this weekend."
Source statements: Motorsport.com
