Binotto: Ferrari need perfection to win in Japan

Mattia Binotto reckons Ferrari will need to be “perfect” in every area of their performance if they are to claim pole position and then go on and win the Japanese Grand Prix this weekend.

The Scuderia have been excellent since the summer break, winning in Belgium and Italy through Charles Leclerc before Sebastian Vettel claimed his first victory in a year in Singapore.

Mercedes got back to winning ways in the last race in Russia, though, and Binotto knows if Ferrari are to claim the flag in Suzuka, they will need to be better than the Silver Arrows and Red Bull in every department.

“Our performance level was good in Sochi, which is how we managed to take our fourth straight pole position, but we know that in order to be at the front in Japan, every aspect of our work must be perfect,” he said when previewing the Japanese GP

Mercedes to go full throttle to claim championshipRead more

“That’s the way we are going to approach the race in Suzuka, trying to extract all the available performance from the car package. If we can do that, then we hope to be able to be as competitive as we have been in recent races.”

Binotto goes on to describe the Suzuka track as “special” and one which Leclerc and Vettel will be eager to impress on, such as their love for it.

“Sebastian and Charles both adore this circuit,” he revealed.

“There is much that is special about it, from the sequence of corners in the first sector, to the incredible reception we get from the fans all weekend long.

“We hope they will be able to enjoy a thrilling race weekend.”