No grip? No problem at Ferrari

The particularly slippery characteristics of the resurfaced Algarve slide did not spoil the pilots’ enjoyment Ferrari this Friday in Portimão. On the contrary ! 

Carlos Sainz is rather fond of these conditions – we remember his great start to the race last year when he led the Portuguese Grand Prix for 4 laps with a McLaren – and he took the opportunity to enrich his personal information bank as he continues to get his bearings in his new environment. 

« I like these conditions where grip is precarious, commented the Spaniard on Friday evening. It's in my nature. I like to fight at the wheel to find grip where there is none ». 

Author of the 4th fastest time in EL2 after finishing 9th in EL1, the Spaniard however refused to draw hasty conclusions. “ We saw in Imola that we tend to be better on Friday than on Saturday. Is it because of the fuel or the engine? I'm not sure “, he asked himself. Solid in free practice in Emilia-Romagna, Sainz was eliminated in Q2 the next day. 

Qualifying is somewhat the specialty of his garage neighbor, who was in 4th place at midday, then in 6th position in the afternoon. 

« It's quite a good start even if the day was complicated with the wind and this bitumen which is still slippery, reported Leclerc. But it remains a real pleasure to drive in these conditions. I'm having fun on this track and I hope that we will continue this good dynamic. 

The short relays were positive, the race simulations too, even if I was a little behind in this area. I still have to work on this ».

Behind the untouchables Mercedes et Red Bull, Ferrari seems to be asserting itself as the 3rd force in the field this weekend for the moment, unless McLaren has once again hidden its game in free practice.