21/02/2019
NEWS STORY
Though there are no points, far less a title, for dominating pre-season testing, fact is that thus far Ferrari has been the class of the Barcelona field.
However, speaking as his team appears to be leading the way in terms of pace and reliability, Charles Leclerc insists that not only is it too early to start making predictions, but that rivals have yet to show their hands, and in some case are "sandbagging".
"The performance has no sense for now," he told reporters. "It remains testing and they are probably not pushing and we are not either.
"We don't how much the others are 'sandbagging'," he smiled.
One of those most impressed with the performance of the Ferrari is Valtteri Bottas, who previously claimed that the Italian team is leading the way
"No matter which kind of fuel load or engine modes they are running, whatever you try to correct that for, in any case they are quick on short runs and long runs," said the Finn. "I think we feel at this point they are maybe a bit ahead, but obviously it's impossible to make detailed calculations. It is very early days. With the new rules its going to be a big development race."