After giving a great signal in Canada, which was then turned into a response in Austria, however Ferrari comes the big litmus test. This weekend – in a busy month of July, with four races in five weeks – la red, as Vasseur also states, goes in search of great confirmation on the Silverstone track. A very particular track, especially if you consider the high stress that the tires will undergo.
Ferrari, Silverstone the real litmus test
Important signals arrived in Canada and Austria, especially on the race pace side. Although in qualifying we always talk about a Ferrari that manages to aim for a good placing - especially taking into account Leclerc's talent on the flying lap and Sainz's consistency - in the race things usually changed. The most obvious example is Barcelona, where Ferrari confirmed itself as the fourth force in the championship.
From the famous Pirelli tests carried out a few days after the Montmelò GP, something seems to have changed: in fact it seems that Ferrari managed to find the right solution, understanding the right path to take with the SF-23. Once the route was identified, here came the first changes: in fact it was assembled in Austria a new bottom and a new front wing – also tested during the Fiorano filming day – which gave the answer that all Ferrari fans were looking for.
Vasseur admits: “It will be a real test for us”
Only in Great Britain, however, will it be understood whether Ferrari has really taken that decisive step which has allowed them - at least in Austria - to be ahead of their rivals. Indeed, Silverstone presents some of the highest average cornering speeds, an element that caused numerous difficulties for the little horse, as also admitted by Sainz. Precisely for this reason, Ferrari takes cover and will mount the SF-23 a new speaker. He also knows very well that this weekend represents a crucial turning point for Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur who presented the new race week like this:
“In the last two races we demonstrated that we have made progress making the SF-23 more competitive. We managed to give our drivers a car that put them in a position to attack, manage the tires well and have a constant pace. We know that the track is among the historic ones of Formula 1 to which the history of Ferrari is also inextricably linked, with its high-speed corners that represent a severe test to verify the direction we have taken".
“I know I can bet on the drivers”
"We know – says Vasseur, based on what Motorsport.com reports – that we can count on the contribution of both our drivers: Carlos achieved his first victory in Formula 1 a year ago, while Charles has come close to success on several occasions and has often said that he has Silverstone on the list of his favorite permanent circuits. We will work as a team and do everything to put them in a position to fight with their usual fierce rivals."
SOURCE STATEMENTS: Motorsport.com Italy
