Charles Leclerc admitted he wasn’t entirely sure how his Ferrari was quick enough to qualify third for Sunday’s Turkish Grand Prix, behind pole winner Valtteri Bottas and championship contender Max Verstappen.
“I knew it was going to be a tricky session, because we decided to go for a low-downforce set-up for this qualifying, for tomorrow. Which eventually, I think, is the right choice. But for today it was going to be tricky,” said Leclerc.His passage into Q3 was aided by team mate Carlos Sainz Jnr, who had no need to set a lap time because of his power unit change penalty, but helped Leclerc by going out to give him a slipstream.
“For Q2 – obviously, thanks to Carlos for the tow, otherwise it would have been a bit tight to get to Q3 with the traffic I had in the last three corners,” said Leclerc.
Leclerc finished Q3 with the fourth fastest time, but will move up one position because of Lewis Hamilton’s 10-place grid penalty for an internal combustion engine change.
“For now, it’s a good weekend for us. Obviously, we need to put everything together for tomorrow, as it’s where it counts.”
Asked why he thought his car was working so well around the Istanbul Park circuit, Leclerc replied: “I’m not completely sure, to be honest. It’s a bit strange.”
He said the team had concentrated on improving its front tyre management, which has a significant bearing on lap time at Istanbul Park.
“I think we worked hard to take off as much, as possible, this front limitation on our cars. We know it’s a bit of a weakness. I think we did the right work, and the right preparation for it.
“Also, the midfield seems to be working quite well, because we are very close to pole position, everyone. It’s good to see that.”
Leclerc is hopeful his strong qualifying performance will give him a chance to finish on the podium. “Anything is possible,” he said. “I hope in good conditions, like today, or even better than qualifying, it would be great.
“If it’s more wet, then I feel like we might struggle a little bit with the set-up on my side.
“This year, it’s not that exciting, fighting for sixth place in the drivers’ championship. So hopefully, we will be fighting for a much better position very soon.”
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2021 Turkish Grand Prix
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Jere (@jerejj)
9th October 2021, 16:04
That tow was well choreographed.
Red Andy (@red-andy)
9th October 2021, 16:34
@jerejj Sainz did a great job in qualifying all-round, first knocking Daniel out in Q1 and then giving Leclerc that vital tow in Q2. Not bad considering he had nothing to gain for himself in that session.
Jere (@jerejj)
9th October 2021, 17:24
@red-andy Indeed. He could’ve just pulled in after a single flying lap but continued further, which directly affected, coincidently, a Mclaren driver + helped teammate.
Zafka (@jjlehto)
9th October 2021, 18:48
Don’t worry, Charles – the Ferrari will fall into its place once the lights go out. Interesting how the fight between Lewis and Max is affected if he makes a good start and finds himself first after turn 1.
Esploratore (@esploratore1)
9th October 2021, 22:29
Yes, could’ve been interesting even in monaco if he had taken the start, verstappen would’ve had to play safe since it was a weekend where hamilton was off form and he had to gain points on him, instead of risking on a crash.
iCarbs (@icarby)
9th October 2021, 20:01
Glad it’s coming together for Ferrari, just like McLaren looks like extending development from the previous year has helped tightening up the field.
Next year will and should be a nice blank canvas