Ferrari’s ambassador, Mark Gene, told the Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo that the Scuderia is optimistic about their car for the upcoming season based on the data they receive from the simulator.
The Spanish veteran commented on the development of the car, whose details are not yet confirmed, and compared it to last year’s SF23. He confirmed that at this stage, 12 months ago in Maranello, they were much more pessimistic about the car based on simulator data than they are now.
“Optimism? All we can say is what our simulator tells us and what the drivers feel in the simulator. But ultimately, it’s the track that prevails and judges. However, it is true that at this stage last year, we were not as confident in the car based on simulator data, and this year the feeling is very different. But we have to wait and see how the car performs on the track. This will happen on February 13th (the presentation of the new Ferrari), and then during the pre-season test in Bahrain (February 21-23),” said Gene.
The Spanish veteran also mentioned that it won’t be easy for Ferrari to join the fight for the world title, given Red Bull’s significant advantage. Nevertheless, he expects the Scuderia to be closer to the “bulls” and to compete with them more frequently on the track.
“It will be difficult because Red Bull had a significant advantage last year, and they say their car for this year is much better. Obviously, they are the favorites. It’s a bit optimistic to expect to compete with them for the title, but it is entirely possible for us to be a bit closer to them and compete with them more often on the track,” Gene added.