Ferrari want to cause problems for 'very, very strong' rivals

New Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto reckons that the team's goal for the opening grand prix of the season is simply to cause problems for their rivals, whom he describes as "very, very strong" going into the race in Melbourne, Australia.

At testing in Barcelona, Ferrari were the most impressive team as Sebastian Vettel secured the fastest lap, while the team as a whole recorded the second-highest amount of laps behind Mercedes.

The Silver Arrows are going for their sixth consecutive constructor's championship, and Binotto thinks that Ferrari must first and foremost pose them issues in the first race before any season targets are established.

“After the winter tests, the whole team wants to get out on track to compete with opponents who we know are very, very strong.

“We are heading into the first of a long series of stages, and our task is to try to cause problems to rivals who proved stronger last year. It will be a demanding season. It is important to start well, aware that we have 21 rounds of equal importance ahead of us.”

Three days to go until we're on track Down Under! @AusGrandPrix we're coming for you ????????
How excited are you to see @F1 back in action?#essereFerrari #AusGP pic.twitter.com/RHRDz6aj6j — Scuderia Ferrari (@ScuderiaFerrari) March 12, 2019

The 2019 F1 season will be a special one for Ferrari as they celebrate the 90th anniversary of their very first team, and Binotto is happy that they have two talented drivers to try and make the campaign a successful one.

“The race that marks the start of the season is always significant, and this year even more so because Scuderia Ferrari is celebrating its 90th birthday in 2019," the Italian continued.

"We are very happy to have a couple of extraordinary drivers like Sebastian and Charles. The championship ends in December so every point can be valuable”.

MORE: LIberty Media: Ecclestone told promoters they were overpaying
MORE: Verstappen plays down Australian GP chances