Ferrari expected to be third best team in 2020 Australian Grand Prix after tough pre-season

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5 years ago

Ferrari topped the time sheet on the fifth day of testing (Getty)

Team Ferrari came second in pre-season testing in Barcelona behind Mercedes

Ferrari seems to have some work to do ahead of the 2020 season opener Australian Grand Prix that will kick off on March 15.

This was evident from the team’s performance after the final day of pre-season testing at the Circuit de Catalunya which ended on Friday.

The Italian team completed 844 laps in total and came second behind Mercedes in pre-season testing.

Ferrari came second after the pre-season testing in Barcelona. (Getty Images)

Ferrari have been criticised in recent times for their poor displays on the circuit. They came second behind Mercedes last season but still have several issues to deal with.

Meanwhile, ESPN reporters, Nate Saunders and Laurence Edmondson made a few observations after the pre-season testing drew to a close in Barcelona.

“I think Ferrari definitely has some work to be done and they are going into Australia admitting that they are behind on one-lap pace as certainly and on race basis as well and having to catch up,” Laurence said.

“And we will see where they are, come Australia,” he ended.

Saunders then opined that this was a situation that happened exactly a year ago when many expected a lot from Ferrari.

He also added that at the moment Ferrari looked like the third team in the cluster of top-teams behind Mercedes and Red Bull based on their recent performances.

Ferrari unveiled their 2020 livery with Sebastian Vettel and Charles Leclerc in attendance (Ferrari Twitter)

“I don’t think we’ll be in a position to win in Australia”

Ferrari issued a stark warning ahead of the Australian GP confirming that they weren’t in a position to win.

The verdict was given by Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto based on his side’s performance after pre-season:

“I don’t think we’ll be in a position to win in Australia,” he declared. “Obviously, every team has its own issues, some with reliability, others with lack of performance, but in a race weekend, anything can happen. But as of today, we’re not quick enough to be up there.”

Ferrari drivers Charles Leclerc (left) and Sebastian Vettel (right). (Getty Images)