Binotto: Ferrari’s performance “isn’t yet where we want it to be”

Last year Ferrari had dominated pre-season testing at the Circuit de Catalunya, only for Mercedes to go and finish with a one-two at the opening race in Melbourne.

This time the Scuderia opted for a different approach to testing and were much more focused on themselves to understand their car rather than set quick lap times.

With two less days available than previous years Binotto feels that the performance of the SF1000 isn’t quite there after running race simulations with Charles Leclerc and Sebastian Vettel.

“I am satisfied with how these winter tests have gone, from the completed programme to the way the team has worked,” he said.

“We approached these two test sessions in a very different way from last year, using the first three days to get to know our car in all the possible configurations.

“Over the last two days, we have carried out race weekend simulations with Sebastian and Charles.

“I believe the performance over a dry lap isn’t yet where we want it to be – while the indications are relatively better when it comes to reliability and long runs too, albeit not yet positive enough.”

Mercedes look to be the team to beat once again after Valtteri Bottas’ lap time of 1:15.732, despite concerns about their engines.

Binotto insists that Ferrari are ready for the race in Melbourne to establish exactly where they stand amongst the other teams.

“We will head back to Maranello with a huge amount of data to analyse in the knowledge that we have a range of work to do,” he added.

“But as a team we feel ready for the Australian Grand Prix, which will give us a clearer idea of where we stand.”