Ferrari "back to the top positions" in F1 - Leclerc

Charles Leclerc has praised his Ferrari team for seizing the opportunity to put the Scuderia "back in the top positions" in F1 after a series of difficult years.

Ferrari has not tasted world championship success since 2008 when Kimi Raikkonen and Felipe Massa secured the constructors' championship title. For success in the drivers' battle, you must look back a further year to 2007.

Although no racing has been completed and the season is just one qualifying session old, there is a sense of optimism at Ferrari that this year could be something special, with Leclerc highlighting this after securing pole for the Bahrain Grand Prix.

"It is so good, especially after the last two years that have been very, very difficult for the whole team and also for myself," explained Leclerc.

"To finally be back, it was a big opportunity for us and we knew it within the team and we had to take it and we did take it because we are back to the top positions.

"Not everything is done. There is still work to do but it is great to be starting this new season in the best way possible."

Max Verstappen will lineup alongside Leclerc on the front row of the grid for the season-opener, but after besting the world champion on Saturday, the Ferrari driver is hopeful of maintaining his advantage when the five lights go out.

"I really hope so, but it is true that they seem very strong, especially in race pace," Leclerc added.

"I still expected them to be two-three-tenths quicker than us in quali pace but it wasn't the case so hopefully we have a good surprise in the race and can keep them behind."

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