Ferrari's winter testing performance doesn't worry Vettel

It’s a Sebastian Vettel smiling and relaxed who presented himself to journalists in the Barcelona paddock on Thursday evening. The German of Ferrari knows very well that his best time of the day – a time of 1”16”841 with a C5 – did not silence the doubts surrounding the potential of the new SF1000. 

The four-time world champion shares his teammate's analysis Charles Leclerc concerning the improvement of Italian performance in the corners, to the detriment of a top speed at half mast. 

« We can see and feel that the car is better, especially in sector 3, reported Vettel at the end of a day in which he completed 144 laps of the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. We are slower than expected in a straight line because we generate drag. We are aware of this reality. Afterwards, we repeated this winter that we wanted to have more downforce on the car and we succeeded. We feel that we are much better in the corners compared to last year.  

We worked a lot during the offseason. For now, this results in a level of drag that is a little too pronounced. We are aware of this and do everything we can to use this drag effectively.

I don't want to jump to conclusions or panic. I'm curious to see what the hierarchy will be in Australia. We're not leaving the strongest impression right now. I'm not worried. If we don't have the fastest car in Australia, we need to do everything we can to make sure it is at the end of the season. ». 

Vettel also readily acknowledges that Mercedes, despite the engine problem which shortened the program Lewis Hamilton in the afternoon, approaches the opening round of the season in the best possible mood. 

« The Mercedes looks easier, not just on one lap but also on long runs, judged the German. It's difficult to compare times, including during race simulations because the conditions are not the same depending on the time of day you run your simulations, the things you test in the background, etc. We tried certain elements which were satisfactory, others less so. 

Looking at the situation at the moment, Mercedes is at the top of the pile. Every time they take to the track, they set competitive times quickly. 

After five days of driving, we know roughly where we stand but the hierarchy could look different in Australia. For the moment, we are not at the top of the timesheet on a regular basis so we are not favorites. 

I'm not in my first season, I have a lot of experience. As a result, I don't feel the wind of panic that seems to be blowing among the ranks of journalists. The situation is much simpler. Only one driver will be on the top step of the podium in Australia and everyone else will be behind in the championship. I wish it was me, that it was us ».