Ferrari must be 'perfect' to defeat Red Bull again – Vasseur

Ferrari head into this weekend's Japanese Grand Prix "buoyed" by their magical one-two finish at the Australian Grand Prix, although team principal Frederic Vasseur knows they must be "perfect" to beat Red Bull this weekend.

Red Bull have been dominant at the Japanese Grand Prix the last two seasons, with Max Verstappen having the chance to match Michael Schumacher's three consecutive victories at Suzuka.

However, Ferrari are full of confidence following Carlos Sainz's special victory in the most recent round, which was claimed just 16 days after his Appendectomy.

The Maranello-based outfit are confident the SF24 will work in Japan, although they will require more than that to topple Red Bull again.

"We head for Japan buoyed by our one-two finish in Australia," said Vasseur. "That winning feeling only serves to make us work even harder to try and experience it again as soon as possible.

"The Suzuka track provides a particularly stern test for cars and drivers, which is why it is so popular with them.

"We believe we have a competitive package, but we know we need to do a perfect job to beat our rivals."

Ferrari 'prepared' for rain

This weekend's race in Japan is the first time F1 has raced in the Asian country outside of autumn, bringing with it a factor of unpredictability.

Ferrari has planned for anything to be thrown at them, including rain, which must always be taken into consideration at Suzuka.

"As always in Japan, and this year in particular as it’s the first time we race at Suzuka in early Spring, the weather could play its part, but we have prepared for this possibility back in the factory and we are determined to be front runners," added Vasseur.