Charles Leclerc admits Ferrari lacks pace to Max Verstappen and Red Bull for Japanese GP Pole

Despite the lack of running in FP2, Charles Leclerc reckoned that Max Verstappen and Red Bull were ahead of the Scuderia.

Charles Leclerc admits Ferrari lacks pace to Max Verstappen and Red Bull for Japanese GP Pole

Charles Leclerc [L] Max Verstappen [R] (images via IMAGO)

Ferrari have high expectations for the Japanese GP. The Scuderia came to Suzuka on the back of Carlos Sainz‘s incredible victory in Melbourne. The Italian team was confident that it could continue to challenge Max Verstappen and Red Bull over the course of the season. However, Charles Leclerc has made a confession following free practice on Friday.

Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez topped the timing sheets in the first practice session. With Leclerc finishing the session in sixth place. FP2 was marred by rain with only five cars setting a lap time in the entire session.

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Charles Leclerc claimed that he would do his best to potentially surprise the paddock with an impressive result after a lack of data on Friday. However, the Monegasque driver highlighted that Ferrari needed to completely prepared for Qualifying.

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If I can prove the lack of data to prove the surprise in qualifying? That's the goal, and I'll give my best... However, we must make sure we are ready for tomorrow.
Charles Leclerc said as reported by FormulaPassion.it

The 26-year-old admitted that Maranello lacked some pace when it came to fighting for pole position. Charles Leclerc claimed that Max Verstappen and Red Bull looked incredibly strong during the first practice session. There was work left to do for the Prancing Horse. However, Leclerc mentioned that he would hope to take pole position for the race.

It seems to me that we miss a little ’ in step for pole position, because Red Bull looks strong especially with Max... but I hope to be the one who will get a special ride tomorrow.
Charles Leclerc stated

Charles Leclerc reflects back on ‘so-so’ day at the Japanese GP

Leclerc admitted that it had been a mediocre day for Ferrari after the two practice sessions. The Monegasque driver recalled that the team worked on certain aspects in FP1 to find the optimal set-up. However, the rain left the Scuderia searching for answers after no useful running in the second session, especially for dry running.

It was so-so day. After the first session we had identified some aspects on which to work to optimize the set-up. But then in the afternoon we practically didn't shoot and so we couldn't find the answers we were looking for.
Charles Leclerc explained
Charles Leclerc, Ferrari
Charles Leclerc, Ferrari (Credits: IMAGO)

Charles Leclerc hoped that the weather would be clear for the final practice session on Saturday. The 26-year-old claimed that Ferrari would be looking to learn and experiment with the set-up before heading to Qualifying. 

We still have FP3 to learn and try some things, hopefully it won't rain. We will work on it tomorrow to get ready for qualification.
Charles Leclerc noted

The entire grid failed to get any useful data from FP2 in Suzuka. Ferrari seem to be confident about its prospects this weekend. However, Max Verstappen remains the favorite to win the Japanese GP this weekend. Although, things could change drastically in Qualifying due to the lack of running and the possibility of changeable conditions. Fans would be eager to see who clinches pole this weekend.

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