Decisive Qualifying
Coming off the disastrous Sunday in Monza, Charles Leclerc instead seems to have started the Madrid weekend on the right foot, finishing second in this afternoon’s FP2. The Ferrari driver was only preceded by Andrea Kimi Antonelli and put 36 thousandths behind his teammate Lewis Hamilton. Today’s qualifying simulation risks having significant weight because according to Leclerc the entire weekend will revolve around Saturday. The very limited overtaking opportunities on track indeed promise to make grid position decisive.
Read more Hamilton: “There is some good in this Friday, but another step forward is needed”
“Qualifying will definitely be the key moment of the weekend – said Leclerc speaking with the official F1 site – in particular during FP2 I tried to overtake but, despite the significant pace difference, it proved extremely difficult, if not impossible, to do so. Consequently, much of the performance this weekend will depend on qualifying“.
Leclerc ‘denies’ Verstappen: “Exciting track”
“So far the feelings are quite good – added Leclerc, talking about the day just concluded – although it is true that Mercedes seems strong. However, we do not put too much weight on the results of the first free practice session, because we do not know the work programs of others. The main goal was to maximize the number of laps on the new track, gather all the necessary data and get familiar with the track ahead of tomorrow’s qualifying”.
Read more Antonelli is already a leader: “Easy blocks, the Madring is a nice challenge”
Unlike Max Verstappen, Leclerc appeared to appreciate the layout of the Madring: “The track is very exciting – declared the #16 Ferrari driver, known to be comfortable on street circuits – it is stimulating, challenging and also very demanding. These are the types of tracks I usually really like and this is no exception. It was really enjoyable to drive on this new track. There is still a lot of work to do and I expect tomorrow to be one of the most demanding qualifying sessions of the year, as it is a track that requires great effort and concentration“.
