Scuderia Ferrari Monegasque driver Charles Leclerc signed off with the fastest time of the week as speculation over the true form of the Ferrari car continues. As was the case with the majority of drivers in action this morning, having to hand over to their teammates for this afternoon’s final session, this was the last chance they had to drive their cars before the first round of the 2023 Formula One season, which takes place next week at the Bahrain International Circuit. race weekend kicks off next Friday.
Asked about the speculation regarding Ferrari’s pace, Frederic Vasseur was giving nothing away, but wanted to play down the negatives: “So far, so good,” he said in an interview for Sky Sports during the lunch break on Saturday “A test is always intense, but it’s okay.”
When asked where he felt the Maranello team stands at this stage of the season, the French manager explained: “It’s very difficult to have a clear picture because we are a bit blind on the others, but we have some room for improvement… For sure we are in the top 10,” he laughed.
However, according to engineer and F1 Technical Analyst Piergiuseppe Donadoni, “Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz have come out a bit. The SF-23 is not yet at the level of the RB19. The philosophy has changed a bit. Faster car on the straight but it’s cornering that still lacks a bit of performance. There is still work to be done to close the gap.” – the Corriere della Sera contributor posted on his Twitter account earlier today.
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FIA accredited Formula 1 Journalist Giuliano Duchessa pointed out that “it was important to have brought the rear wing to test it. Not ideal to have dismantled it but there is more time before the GP. It is a component that improves efficiency and downforce by offering a more appropriate rear balance. However the SF-23 remains in medium/low drag configuration.” – he posted on social media.
