The Scuderia Ferrari Mission Winnow Team will look back on the 2021 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix with mixed feeling’s – Charles Leclerc qualifying in the same position as the Bahrain Grand Prix in fourth position, but unfortunately Carlos Sainz Jr. in his second race for the Scuderia was unable to make Qualifying 3.
Laurent Mekies – Racing Director of the Scuderia Ferrari Mission Winnow Team feels that Qualifying was another solid showing from the team, having a good performance at two different tracks is good for the team as it means that the team is competitive on two tracks that have a very different profile.
“Another solid performance following on from the one in Bahrain in the opening round of the season. That’s important, because it confirms we are competitive on a very different type of track and in very different conditions to those in Sakhir.”
There is a bit of disappointment within the team that Sainz was unable to make Qualifying-3 in a session where the slimmest of margins meaning that 15 drivers were covered by under 9 tenths.
Despite this disappointment, the Spaniard is embedding himself well into the team and the more he spends in the car the more confident he will become. This progression is clear to see for everyone within the team so there is a good chance that Sainz can get a good result not necessarily tomorrow but in the near future.
“Naturally, there’s a bit of disappointment that Carlos missed the cut to Q3 by just 61 thousandths in what was a very close session with 15 drivers all covered by just nine tenths. We knew that Carlos would need a few races to feel totally at ease in his new team and to gain confidence in a car that is very different to the one he was used to. He is making good progress, completely in line with our expectations. Nevertheless, his grid position means we can look at a variety of options in terms of strategy so there is every chance he can get a good result.”
Leclerc had another excellent qualifying, ending the three sessions in fourth and having an excellent qualifying is becoming a theme for Leclerc, showing the amazing talent that is clear to see for everyone.
“Charles secured the same grid position as in Bahrain thanks to what was overall, another great performance, something that is becoming almost the norm for him and further confirmation of his great talent.”
The main aim for the Grand Prix will be to convert the performance shown in qualifying into the race tomorrow. If this is well managed than we could see Ferrari at the front of the midfield pack in the race itself which was the main goal for the team going into the season.
“Tomorrow, the main aim will be to convert the performance level seen in qualifying into the race result. If we manage it, then we can hope to head the mid-field group in this Grand Prix, which is also our main goal for the season.”
