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Two Ferrari-linked figures are concerned the Italian team could face a tougher test for victory this weekend in China. After a year without victory, Sebastian Vettel put Ferrari back on the top step of the podium in Melbourne.
Gian Paolo Dallara, whose racing car marque is involved with the production of Haas' F1 single seater, said: "It's great that a machine designed by young Italian engineers won. Also true is that overtaking on the track was difficult, and Seb was fantastic but he won thanks to the pitstop. So let's go slowly, because China could favour Mercedes now," he is quoted by the blog of Ferrari insider Leo Turrini.
And legendary former Ferrari F1 designer Mauro Forghieri added: "Maranello has done an outstanding job, particularly on the rear suspension. Although in Australia Ferrari was superior to Mercedes, I doubt they will be in China -- but I hope!" he said.
But even if Mercedes does bounce back in China, Vettel's former teammate Mark Webber thinks the German is still likely to be competitive in 2017. "Tyre management is Sebastian's speciality," the Australian told Germany's Auto Bild. "In Bahrain, Ferrari could be even better, because the temperatures will be higher and the rear tyres are heavily loaded." (GMM)
Grand Prix of Belgium
C. Sainz jr
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Replies (3)
Login to replymclarenfan1968
Posts: 1,027
This claim was also seen in Mercedes's wish list. I too wish to win the jack pot just once once.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
I think it could be the opposite. China is indeed a very high speed track, but its also a very dirty track, it wont be nice on the tyres. Mercedes lost out in Australia due to tyre wear, and if they still have problems with following other cars, they will have a hard time in China. Just speculations though.
Vet5
Posts: 225
Mercedes probably have the highest downforce producing car on the grid which explains why they can't follow cars and tyre wear issues, whilst seeing the Ferrari in australia up the gearbox of butthurt and his tyres not degrading shows the Ferrari might have a better package, like a 50/50 downforce & speed package