Ferrari struggling on long stints

Reading the timesheet for Free Practice 2 of the British Grand Prix, one might believe that the duel between Mercedes et Ferrari at Silverstone will be tight this weekend. If the German team places its two W10s at the top of the ranking, Charles Leclerc follows in ambush less than two tenths on a track where the large, fast curves were not supposed to flatter the characteristics of the SF90. 

The Monegasque, however, did not have the heart to draw a positive conclusion from the first British runs, visibly concerned by the significant deterioration of his tires with the sequence of laps.

« It was quite a difficult day, reported Leclerc. On one lap, we're not too bad but we're in trouble on the long stints. We struggle a lot with the tires. We had a lot of difficulty with the left front in particular. We have to work for tomorrow. I think Mercedes is hiding its game. They are the team to beat and they are very strong in racing configuration ».

His teammate Sebastian Vettel, 4th in EL2 almost half a second behind the reference time established by Valtteri Bottas, was hardly more enthusiastic. 

« I'm not totally satisfied, the afternoon was tricky, declared the four-time German world champion in particular. We tested several options. Some will probably not be accepted. We will study the situation this evening. The pace was okay but we lacked consistency. Mercedes looks very solid and we are in the fight with Red Bull rear ».