What can Ferrari hope to achieve to in the Turkish Grand Prix? The results of the first day of activity on the track confirmed Charles Leclerc near the top of the standings, thanks to the second time in FP2 after the qualifying simulations.
With a great lap on the soft tyres, the Monegasque driver was able to position himself much closer to the leader of the day (Lewis Hamilton) than to Valtteri Bottas, third.
The first of the Red Bulls, that of Sergio Perez, was over four tenths behind. Seen in this way, one could hypothesize some very encouraging prospects for the Scuderia, but no one in the red box wants to be carried away by enthusiasm.
It will most likely rain tomorrow at the Istanbul Park circuit, and on several occasions this year we have seen sudden changes of hierarchy between Friday and Saturday.
But beyond the conditions with which the weekend will continue, the feeling is that Ferrari has prepared well for the Turkish trip, an impression confirmed from the first laps of the FP1 session with Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz who immediately confirmed themselves at ease with the SF21 ca.
On the eve of the weekend, the Monegasque driver was hoping for a weekend similar to 2020, that is, with a very slippery track, but even if today’s tests confirmed a good general grip on the asphalt, Charles Leclerc was able to show a good qualifying and race pace at Istanbul Park.
Charles Leclerc’s potential was also confirmed in the long-runs. After the two Mercedes, (who covered twelve laps with an average time of 1’27 “732 with Lewis Hamilton and 1’28” 020 with Valtteri Bottas) there is a remarkable balance, and Charles Leclerc confirmed himself very close to the Red Bulls, as shown by the results: 1’28 “223 for Verstappen, 1’28” 317 for Charles Leclerc, compared on a distance of 10 laps with medium tires.
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The fear of disappointment seems to be greater than the satisfaction with the feedback arrived at the end of a good day, but the cautious attitude is understandable for the Maranello team
Charles Leclerc’s good Friday changed Carlos Sainz’s vision a bit in view of the continuation of the weekend in Istanbul. Yesterday the Spaniard said he was ready to face with enthusiasm the prospects of a recovery race to which he will be attempt after Ferrari used the power unit number 4 this year (an operation that involves starting from the back of the grid), but today after seeing the potential of Charles Leclerc he also showed a little bit of regret.
Carlos Sainz obviously worked with a view to the race, completing the longest long-run ever (23 laps covered by the Spanish driver).
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