Ferrari admits ensuring the reliability of the engine will be a key challenge at this weekend’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
Heading to the street circuit in the capital city of Baku, most expect the Scuderia to be favourites because of their top speed advantage at the past two races.
However, power unit problems have occurred and protecting the engine has been one of the explanations put forward for their variable performance.
As a result, team boss Mattia Binotto knows a balance must be struck on the 2.2km main straight.
“Coming off the back of three races that definitely didn’t go the way we wanted, this GP is another important moment for us,” he said in his preview.
“We have prepared for it very well, analysing all the data we have acquired up until now, looking at areas where we can improve and working on adapting the car’s set-up and the power unit management to the characteristics of the track.
“In fact, Baku features a very long straight, which places special demands on the engine, both the internal combustion part as well as the hybrid elements.”
Not only that, but Ferrari face a decision as to whether to optimise their top speed with lower downforce or try to improve on their weakness in the corners.
“A big challenge at Baku is to find the right wing level to get good grip for the slow corners but also to be fast enough on the straights where we spend a lot of time at full throttle,” Sebastian Vettel commented to Motorsport.com.
“It’s not an easy compromise.”
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While a key element, there are more factors to success in the Land of Fire than just power.
“The track surface is very smooth which means tyre wear is generally low, but as the tyres, therefore, generate less energy, it can be difficult to get them in the right working temperature range,” Binotto explained.
“We know from past experience that there’s a high probability of the Safety Car appearing on track in Baku and therefore it’s an important aspect to consider when looking at the race strategy.
“We are bringing a few updates to Baku, as the first step in the development of the SF90.”
Another notable story will be the ongoing internal situation at Ferrari between Vettel and Charles Leclerc, who may well be back in Bahrain form this weekend.
“Azerbaijan is one of my favourite tracks of the season, I simply love it and I’ve always performed very well there,” the Monegasque commented.
“I always enjoy driving on it, especially the castle part with all those tight corners. It’s a unique track, you cannot find anything like it anywhere else in the world, so it’s pretty special.
“The rule is quite simple: never lose focus during the race otherwise at the first mistake you’re in the wall. Baku is a demanding track, but I can’t wait.”
