After the unexpected success in Singapore, Ferrari head to the Russian Grand Prix looking to validate their sudden improvements.

A new front nose package and other aero tweaks brought to life the SF90, with their high downforce weakness this season disappearing as Sebastian Vettel led a 1-2 finish.

That has absolutely rejuvenated the Italian team, who head to Sochi looking for a fourth straight win since the summer break, but team boss Mattia Binotto isn't declaring Ferrari back just yet.

“After taking three wins in a row, we are keen to get to Russia to see and check how our latest updates will work on what is yet again a different type of track,” he said ahead of the trip to the Black Sea coast.

Also Read:

• Vettel: Ferrari's work is only done when we win the championship
• Leclerc: Singapore loss to Vettel 'frustrating' but good for Ferrari
• Hamilton fears more losses if Mercedes don't 'pull our socks up'

“Sochi features long straights and a very smooth surface where, once again, it is not that easy to get the most out of the tyres.

“The circuit also requires a completely different set-up and aero configuration to that for Singapore. Having a well-balanced car will be a key factor.

“The forecast for Sochi is for changeable weather, so it will be important to be prepared for every eventuality.”

For Sebastian Vettel, Singapore was just the catalyst he needed after a difficult stretch of results, but he heads to Sochi knowing no team has yet beaten Mercedes there in the five years F1 has visited.

“We’ve raced in Russia a few times now. It’s another circuit where we’ve come close to winning but never quite managed it,” he noted.

“I’ve started from the front row and in fact two years ago, Ferrari locked out the front row, but we really want the satisfaction of taking that last step and winning.

“A lot of the corners are similar to one another, but they’re all very technical and finding the entry point can be quite tricky, as is getting the braking point right and finding the best way of rotating the car in order to be fast, while also looking after the tyres.

“From a technical point of view it’s one of the trickiest tracks we have on the calendar but it’s rewarding when you’re able to put together the perfect flying lap, especially in qualifying.”

Finally, teammate Charles Leclerc was left the disappointed one having felt slightly robbed by Ferrari's decision to pit Vettel before he did.

Even so, last year saw one of his standout weekends at Sauber in Sochi and he's keen for another this weekend.

“Arriving in Russia with three positive weekends behind us feels great," said the Monegasque.

"We have made good progress on our car, especially in terms of our performance on high downforce tracks, and seem to be more competitive on tracks with various layouts now.

"I look forward to getting back in the car on Friday to see how it goes at this circuit and time will tell whether we can be as strong here as we have been lately.”