After the double in Australian GPThe Ferrari go to Japan aware that he does not have the most suitable car for the Suzuka track, which appears to have been tailor-made for the RB20 in Max Verstappen. However, in Maranelloconfidence is high for affirmation as the second strength of Formula 1 2024, even fearing the advancement of McLaren.
As Fred Vasseur was able to explain recently, the SF-24 will go to Suzuka without major technical innovations, waiting for the update package for Imola, the first European race on the calendar.
There was an attempt to bring forward some rear elements for the Japanese GP, but the need for spare parts forced Ferrari to rethink plans, trusting in the idea that it can still fully understand the characteristics of the SF-24.
Charles Leclerc, Ferrari SF-24 and Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes W15
Photo by: Steve Etherington / Motorsport Images
Therefore, Ferrari will have to confirm itself as the second force in the championship, seeking to keep its distance from McLaren, Mercedes and Aston Martin. The Woking car is particularly feared at Suzuka because it can be competitive in the S and long support corners, which make the Japanese track a favorite with drivers.
Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc drew positive signs in preparation for the stage: the hope is to limit Red Bull’s advantage and, with luck, put at least one of them on the front row, alongside Verstappen. But forecasts are less optimistic than in Australia.
Carlos Sainz, Ferrari
Photo di: Ferrari
The success in Melbourne motivated the team: there is an internal awareness that they do not have the best car on the grid (but the Imola updates are eagerly awaited), but there is hope to confirm the limited tire wear on a track that demands a lot (Pirelli chose the hardest range).
The weather forecast points to cloudy skies and low temperatures (minimum of seven degrees on Friday), so the difficulty will be getting the tires in the correct operating window. Suzuka is a medium-load track, so the rear wing used in previous GPs should be suitable.
