F1 News

Leclerc knows challenge of Barcelona: Each driver knows it by heart

Leclerc knows challenge of Barcelona: "Each driver knows it by heart"

07-05-2019 18:35
3
Author profile picture

Nicolás Quarles van Ufford

Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc is still looking for his first win for the Scuderia as the Formula 1 circus travels to Spain, but the Monegasque knows how hard it will be to make a difference in Barcelona as every driver knows the Circuit de Catalunya like the back of your hand.

Leclerc has been impressive but has also had a combination of bad luck and personal mistakes, with the latest setback coming in Baku when he parked his SF90 in the wall of the street circuit.

With a big upgrade and a new engine to come with it, Leclerc has high hopes for Ferrari, as he thinks the skill of drivers will have less of an impact in Barcelona.

“This is probably the track where it’s hardest for the driver to make a difference," he said.

"The reason is simple: each one of us knows it by heart, right down to the smallest detail, as it’s home to the majority of tests.

"I have good memories from February’s testing, even if the conditions were very different back then, with very low air and track temperatures. All the same, the Barcelona-Catalunya circuit is a benchmark, because if you go well here, you know you have a car that will be very competitive for the rest of the season.

"I can’t wait to get into the cockpit of my SF90, but then, that’s not exactly news!”