Ferrari confident they can handle Red Bull

Ferrari drivers Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc set the sixth and eleventh fastest time in the second practice session of the Japanese Grand Prix. The team believes they can impose a fight on Red Bull Racing this weekend, the outcome of which will be decided by tenths of a second.

Carlos Sainz (6th): “The track conditions were far from ideal. In any case, the weather turned out to be stable, which allowed us to perform several tests and get interesting results. I have always enjoyed racing on wet roads because it allows me to learn something new about the car every time.

After a difficult race in Singapore under such conditions, it was important for me to handle the car – I can say that today I managed to get back to the old rhythm. I was fast and felt comfortable behind the wheel again.

Of course the weather has led to some compromises in preparation for the race, but it could rain on Sunday, so if you choose the final settings for qualifying you should think twice. I think it will be interesting.

Red Bull drivers are fast in all conditions, be it dry or wet, fast or slow. However, we are also fast – in Japan, just the weekend where the advantage is given to the team that can find an extra tenth on the lap.”

Charles Leclerc (11th): “The first practice was interesting, but by the second my tires were worn out, so it wasn’t so much fun. All in all a great day and I’m happy with the car, but Saturday is all about putting all the parts together.

I think our car looks good in such conditions, but the second practice turned out to be difficult because my tires completely lost their efficiency. In any case, we got a lot of information today that will help us in the race.

Let’s see what awaits us on Saturday, because the weather can change drastically. With the third training it is important to adapt as quickly as possible. It will be a very important session – I hope the weather is stable all day tomorrow and we can prepare for qualifying.”