Ferrari Racer Charles Lekler summed up the tests in Bahrain and shared expectations from the upcoming season ...
Charles Lekler: "It's hard to catch everything for three days of tests, but all in equal terms. In my opinion, we perfectly used this time, drove a large distance, although we worked on the track less than usual. We did everything that could have tried to prepare as much as possible for the season.
It is too early to judge the speed of the car. When I said that I want to return Ferrari to the leaders, it was the goal of the medium or long-term perspective, but I did not mean specifically 2021. The regulation limits our possibilities in working with the machine, so SF21 is not a revolution, but the evolution of last year's car. It is difficult for me to say than it is different, but we have improved balance and handling. We will try to achieve progress compared to last year, but a miracle is not waiting. It is necessary to really evaluate the prospects. I hope to compete for the title this year, but I doubt that we will succeed.
Arriving on the first race last year, we realized how difficult the season would be. We knew that the car would not allow to fight for the title, but did not expect such problems. In the first races I had to be fine, but we changed the approach and tried to compensate for the speed losses.
I wanted to prove that I could seek maximum results even in a difficult season. There were mistakes, and they are not the last, but I learned a lot. After each error, I analyzed her causes and was looking for ways to avoid repetition. I learned a lot in 2020.
I doubt that we compensated for the loss of speed. We have reduced the backlog from the rest of the teams, but, unfortunately, you should not wait for miracles. The team worked well, and there are positive signs, but this is not enough to return to the level of 2019. We need time to achieve progress. This year, the Mercedes rival will be Red Bull Racing - this team perfectly worked on the preseason tests. In addition, I am impressed by McLaren speed.
My status in the team has not changed, I have the same goal - I have to post 200% and achieve maximum results. I am still motivated. Ferrari should not stay behind - we must fight for victory or at least for the podiums. This thought helps me to motivate everyone in Maranello, so that we quickly returned to the positions that deserve - fought for victories.
Carlos and I performed perfectly. Perhaps, I haven't spent so much time with him yet with one partner. It is very interesting. We are almost peers, we have common interests, so it will be fun! We both ambitious are motivated and looking forward to starting the season when we can fight on the track, not allowing stupid mistakes.
I would like to thank everyone who supported me - it warms me the soul. Unfortunately, last year and in several races of this season we will not see the audience in the stands, and it is not easy to perform in such conditions. It is always nice when you are supported in the stands, I do not have enough contact with the audience.
In any case, I actively use social networks and with pleasure I read the messages of fans. Many thanks that they are still with us, even after such a difficult season as last year. In Maranello laid out 200% to fight more often for victory.
I am very glad that this year the Gran with Monaco will take place, and I will spend again on the home highway. I always dreamed of going to the start of this Grand Prix and last year was upset when I learned that the race was canceled. Fortunately, the organizers have found a solution to make the race this year as safe as possible. I am glad to return to Monaco and submit my country. In Formula 1, I was always not lucky in a home race, but it is very important for me to win it.
At one time, I did not think that I would like to speak in the "24-clock Le Mans", but in the press he took it seriously. I like this race, but now I am completely focused on the formula 1. However, if such an opportunity appears, why not?
Since childhood, I participated in endurance races in Kartinga - the best memories of Karting and motor racing are connected with them in general. When I was younger, we spent the "24 hours of the brignole", sometimes "42 hours of the brignola" - along with Jules Bianchi, my brothers and instructions of that time. I will never forget it.
I had to do not sleep 42 hours, because I wanted to look at the card on the track and piloted one of them. That is why I want to make endurance racing. Perhaps it is more serious about this to take it - all the same it is "24 hours le man."
Source: Formula 1 on F1news.ru