Friday at Interlagos: Scuderia Ferrari was not in the right rhythm
After the peregrinations and scuffles experienced at the end of the race in Mexico, Kimi Räikkönen and Sebastian Vettel got off to a quiet start to the Brazilian weekend, finishing just above sixth place.
The two Ferrari drivers returned to a circuit they are fond of, having both been crowned world champions there: in 2007 for the Finn and in 2012 for the German. But this Friday, it was rather gloomy.
Sebastian Vettel – 9th and 7th fastest – who came close to a penalty during FP1 seemed to have gotten back on track to give and get the best out of his car. Even though it ultimately proved complicated, with difficulties in finding the right pace.
He declared about this day: « I think it was a tricky day. The track was very slippery and the temperature was high. I think everyone was struggling with the tires. It was a bit difficult to find the right rhythm. The long stints were a bit better for us. I didn’t see what the others were doing, but I felt more confident as the laps and time in the car went on. In the end, we tried a lot of things, and now we need to determine what is best. Towards the end of the day, it seemed calmer and I found some rhythm, which wasn’t the case on the short stints and fast laps. So, I wasn’t very happy. »
Nevertheless, the German tried to reassure himself: « The good news of the day is that the gaps are close. Of course, the Mercedes, as expected, are in front but otherwise if things stay as they are, it’s a good sign. »
His counterpart, Kimi Räikkonen – 10th and 8th fastest – experienced brake problems at the end of the second session. He recounted his day: « It was a fairly normal Friday, we tried different things with the aim of improving them tomorrow. It was a bit tricky to find the right balance. The settings are not ideal yet, but we’re heading in the right direction. I only did a few laps with the softs. They behaved quite well and obviously have the best grip. Unfortunately, at the end of the second session, we had a problem with a visor which blocked the cooling duct. The brakes overheated and I had to stop. »
Just like the Mexican Grand Prix, the Ferraris are struggling with the behavior of their cars and are outpaced by the Red Bulls and Williams, which may not be promising for the rest of the weekend.
