Charles Leclerc says Ferrari still has “some margin” to improve, despite coming close to setting a new track record during Thursday morning’s Formula 1 test in Spain.
Leclerc set a series of quick times on Pirelli’s C5 tyre – its softest available compound, and one that is unlikely to be used at the Spanish Grand Prix – and eventually finished the session with a time of 1:16.231.
His benchmark – comfortably the quickest of pre-season testing – was just six-tenths down on the circuit record, the pole position time set by Lewis Hamilton for last May’s Grand Prix.
When asked whether he could have gone faster, Leclerc replied: “We never know.
“Obviously I think as every team we are not flat out.
“There’s still some margin, a bit obvious in myself. I still have to learn, I get more comfortable with the car lap after lap and with the car itself, so it’s looking good for now.”
Leclerc also praised the inherent ability of Ferrari’s SF90, commenting: “The car feels comfortable, from day one the balance is pretty nice and it hasn’t changed today, so it’s a positive day.
“Especially after the lack of running yesterday it’s a good morning for us, and it’s good to be on top but it doesn’t mean anything.
“It’s testing. I think we are looking strong at the moment whether they are sandbagging more or less or whatsoever we don’t know and we’ll only know in qualifying but for now, we are pretty happy with the job we’re doing.”
Leclerc will remain in the car for Thursday afternoon’s session but will hand over to team-mate Sebastian Vettel for Friday’s final test day.
