Ferrari is hoping changes in their aerodynamic approach can reduce the gap to Mercedes at the French Grand Prix.
The Italian team has low expectations ahead of the trip to Paul Ricard, realising the layout will be less suited to the SF90 than the long straights of Montreal.
Upgrades are also limited to a new front wing for this weekend, but Motorsport Italy is reporting that Ferrari will be altering the balance of the setup following work done in the simulator and windtunnel.
It is claimed that part of the problem with this year’s car has been discrepancies between the data on track and at the factory and that the most recent developments are yielding better results.
Publicly, team boss Mattia Binotto reflected on the Scuderia’s year to date, acknowledging the performance in testing was the high point of the year.
“For a straightforward comparison in Barcelona between test and race, we have done worse for one simple reason,” he told Germany’s Auto Motor und Sport.
“We developed the car in the wrong direction because we misjudged the weaknesses and limitations of our package.
“Our vehicle concept does not fit the 2019 tyres and the car is not one of the best in terms of maximum downforce.
“Since we lack downforce, we have difficulty warming up the tyres and keeping them in the window where they provide optimal grip.”
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The post-race test in Spain did produce some answers, some of which were the tweaks mentioned for Paul Ricard.
But Binotto admits it will still be some time before the 2019 car is able to regularly fight for wins.
“Do not expect a B version of our car,” he said. “It’ll take two or three upgrades before we’re able to challenge Mercedes everywhere.
“[If we can fight for] the title is not the question I’m asking right now,” he added.
“The priority is that we recognize the problem correctly and react to it in the best way so that we can regain our strength as soon as possible.”
