Charles Leclerc: Ferrari need to finish the job in Austria after claiming pole

Austrian GP

Leclerc: Ferrari need to finish the job in Austria after claiming pole

He was mighty impressive in qualifying.

Martin Macdonald

Saturday 29 June 2019 16:16

Charles Leclerc says Ferrari must take advantage of their pole position secured for the Austrian Grand Prix on Sunday to actually go ahead and win the race, as he set a track record in qualifying to start the race from P1.

The Monegasque driver has looked the quickest driver all weekend so far and topped the standings in FP3 before continuing his pace into all three qualifying sessions, where he eventually finished first in Q3.

Ferrari are way behind Mercedes in the constructors’ championship after eight races, so Leclerc reckons it is important they grab this opportunity while the Silver Arrows appear to be lacking pace at the Red Bull Ring.

“Yeah, the car felt amazing,” he said moments after claiming pole.

“From FP2 it was quite good and it was a big pleasure to drive this car on the limit. It just felt great. Very happy to bring the pole position back home, but we need to finish the job.”

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When asked about the tyre choices which will see him start on softs, while Mercedes will be on mediums, he insists they are content with their decision.

“What we tested in FP1 and FP2, we are pretty happy with the choices we have made,” he added.

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The conditions were roasting in Austria and the climate is set to continue to tomorrow, but he thinks he can handle the rigours if he can balance everything correctly.

“It's going to be very difficult physically, because in the car, it is very, very warm.,” he continued.

“So, it will be all about management of everything, and hopefully we'll have a good race tomorrow.”

Leclerc will be joined on the front row by Lewis Hamilton, but it is possible the Brit will face a grid penalty from the stewards due to allegedly blocking the path of Kimi Raikkonen during qualifying.