Gene: Ferrari engine will be one of the best in 2021

Former Ferrari test driver and advisor Marc Gene has said he believes the team will be back fighting for Formula 1 podiums this year and that its revamped engine is far superior to its underperforming power unit from 2020.

The Scuderia suffered one of their most ignominious seasons in their F1 history last year, finishing sixth overall as they struggled to compete with Mercedes and Red Bull as they had in previous years due to a mandated changes to their power unit.

However, Gene has said he believes this year will be a different story altogether as changes made to the engine during the off season have made it much more competitive compared to the one they ran in 2020, he told Onda Cero.

"We don't know exactly how much horsepower we have gained, but I have a rough idea. I don't think we have recovered everything we lost compared to 2019, but much of it has been," he said.

"The car is an evolution, but the engine is new. Last year Ferrari had the worst engine on the grid, but in 2021 we will have one of the best. I don't know if it will be as good as Mercedes, but it will be very good."

Gene added that while 2020 was among the worst performances he has witnessed while working with the team, he was confident that a third place finish in the constructors’ championship was possible this year.

"We are not going to win this year, but hopefully we can take victories in some races. Right now our goal is to be on the podiums and to show that last year was an exception in the history of Ferrari," he said.