Leclerc eager to rubber stamp Ferrari pace at Imola

Charles Leclerc was cautiously optimistic of Ferrari's improved pace after a strong showing by the Scuderia in the Formula 1 season opener.

Ferrari endured its worst season since 1980 last year finishing sixth in the constructors' standings.

A woeful power unit cost the Italian manufacturer dearly in a straight line with Leclerc and then-team-mate Sebastian Vettel powerless to defend.

For the current season, Ferrari introduced a completely new power unit but Leclerc was cautious in his assessment of the progress made.

"If I look at where we were last year at the exact same place there has been good progress, so surely we want to be fighting for the win very, very soon," he said.

"But realistically and honestly we have done a great job to catch that, and to be closer to McLaren at least and fighting them in the race, so let's see [what happens] in Imola."

Leclerc was joined at the team by Carlos Sainz over the winter and the Spaniard had no concern in declaring his joy at the developments.

He added: "I'm happy with the progress I've seen from the team compared to last year. I'd like to thank all the people for their hard work in the factory, and this was just the start, the first race, and we are already much better than last year.

"I'm sure with more work, if we keep doing the things like this then we will keep progressing."

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