Ferrari point to Singapore for Qatar optimism

Ferrari Team Principal Frederic Vasseur has stated that his Formula 1 squad can take confidence from its performance in Singapore ahead of the Qatar Grand Prix weekend.

Last month at the Marina Bay Circuit, the Italian squad fended off the challenge posed behind from McLaren and Mercedes to take the race victory through Carlos Sainz.

It marked Ferrari’s first race win of the season and brought an end to the run of Red Bull dominance, whose run of victories stretched back to last year’s finale in Abu Dhabi.

Ferrari has struggled with its car at times this season, with drivers highlighting the unpredictable nature of the SF-23 through corners.

Tyre management has also been a weak point for the car, meaning its pace during races has often been down on its rivals.

Vasseur's optimism

Although Red Bull are favourites once again heading into the Qatar weekend, Vasseur stressed that Ferrari’s Singapore form should give it confidence.

“I think after Monza everybody told us that Singapore will be much more difficult,” he told media including RacingNews365.com.

“We did well in Singapore. It’s so tight, it’s also about tyre management, setup and so on.

“On paper is not the best track for us but we will do our best.”