The qualifying session for the 2022 Bahrain Grand Prix in Sakhir has brought a highly desired confirmation: Scuderia Ferrari is back and is able to fight for race wins. Charles Leclerc’s pole position in Bahrain is the result of the work carried out by the Maranelllo team for more than one year, after some difficult Formula 1 seasons. If the pole positions from 2021 were more episodic results given the favourable context (slow track in Monte-Carlo, maxi-tow and great lap in Baku), the latter has a different impression, as the result of a strong package, with a power with that is once again strong, excellent traction and an increasing positive feeling in the fast corners.
All this could only make Scuderia Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto smile:
“We are very happy. It was not a predictable pole.” – the Ferrari boss admitted, at the end of the qualifying session in Bahrain – “Red Bull is very fast, they proved it again today. But our drivers and the team were busy testing over the weekend, yesterday and also tonight. We did a good qualifying. Today is a nice reward and a nice starting point. It was a beautiful lap from Charles, he knew he had to put it all together. He gave everything in the last attempt. Four Ferrari engines in the top seven is further positive news, it means that the power unit has also improved. The whole package behaves well and I put both the drivers, the team and the whole environment into this.” – Mattia Binotto told Sky Sport F1
“If this is a strong message to Max Verstappen? Well, we’re first and third, but they’re second and fourth. They are very strong and will be strong tomorrow in the race. Today we are happy. Tomorrow we turn the page, it will be a different situation. Let’s remember where we were last year or two years ago. For the team it is a relief, both here and in Maranello. Carlos Sainz had a great qualifying today. He was able to improve the weak points and do what it took to get closer to Charles. He was even on pole, then on his last attempt he tried to do even more, perhaps too much. A few small errors did not allow him to improve. Charles gave a sign of maturity, ability and talent. We are convinced that we have the best pair of drivers. The obstacles of the race are many: start, first corner, tire wear. We also saved a set of softs, running with used tires in Q1 and early Q2. This shows the team’s ability to believe in out potential and to do things well “. – Scuderia Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto concluded after the qualifying session.
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