While Ferrari made an encouraging start to testing in Barcelona on Wednesday, Charles Leclerc warns against placing too much importance on times
For Ferrari, the first day of Formula 1 2022 testing in Barcelona ended on a promising note: Charles Leclerc, who was fastest until lunchtime, was only beaten by Lando Norris in the McLaren in the end. Leclerc’s team-mate Carlos Sainz took over the F1-75 in the afternoon and finished third.
Leclerc, however, cautions that the times from the first test sessions are not really indicative, as he believes no one is yet to show their full ability.
Looking back on day one, the Monegasque says: “It was the first time we could really push in our new car and it was a good feeling to be behind the wheel again. We completed all the tests we had set out to do and drove through our full programme smoothly. “
Leclerc completed 80 laps, Sainz 73, making Ferrari the spearhead in terms of kilometres driven. Williams and Mercedes each completed 127 laps.
As for ranking based on lap times, the Ferrari driver stressed, “The first feeling is not bad, but we shouldn’t get carried away by the timesheets today because it’s still early and everyone is still hiding their true form.”
“It’s not possible to get a clear picture yet, so we have to stay focused and keep working hard. We did a lot of laps, more than any other team today, and that’s a positive sign that we will build on.”
For teammate Sainz, the test day highlighted above all the contrast with the 2021 cars: “We still have a lot of work to do, but today we could already feel some differences from last year, although I don’t think it will take too long to get used to it.”
“For sure the last tenths will be difficult to find, but that’s the interesting part! Anyway, that’s not the aim here in Barcelona as we have more testing before the first race. A good first day and I’m looking forward to tomorrow.”
