Charles Leclerc: “It will be hard to keep Gasly behind”

Having to answer questions about a possible podium already represents a big step forward for Charles Leclerc. The Monegasque of Team Ferrari matched its best performance last year in qualifying by taking fourth position on the grid for the Bahrain Grand Prix.

In 2020, the performance represented a reprieve, as we expected to see the ailing Ferrari tumble over the laps. Same thing in 2021? In any case, Leclerc does not expect to fight for the podium. “Of course we are always fighting for that, but it would be very optimistic to make it a goal,” explained the 23-year-old driver. In a normal race, it will be impossible to get the Mercedes et Max Verstappen. If we hold fourth position, it will already be a great step forward compared to last season. »

Indeed, the man from the Principality will look above all in his rearview mirrors, in the direction ofAlpha Tauri de Pierre Gasly. If at the start, Charles Leclerc, equipped with soft tires, should be able to keep the advantage without too much problem, the early wear of his rubber will quickly put him at a disadvantage against the Frenchman's medium tires, which are more resistant.

“I think it will be hard to keep him behind us. Because of its medium tires, but also the race pace of the AlphaTauri, which seemed really strong during testing on Friday. For our part, we don’t really know where we are,” recognizes Leclerc.

His position on the grid is already a surprise for him. “I'm happy because it was a very complicated weekend, I struggled with the car, I couldn't find the right feeling. I doubted I could do a great lap, but I managed to do what I wanted in Q3.

This is only the first qualifier, but we must be proud of what we have managed to overcome in a few months. We are not yet in the process of winning, which must be Ferrari's goal, but it is a good start. »

All that's left to do is turn the test into a race. The start will be given at 17 p.m.