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Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto has conceded that the Scuderia does not have any updates which will have a noticeable effect on its performance coming soon.
Ferrari is a clear second to Mercedes in this year’s Formula 1 championship and, in six rounds, has only been especially competitive with the Silver Arrows in Bahrain and Azerbaijan.
It implemented its first engine update earlier than usual, in Spain, to no avail, and is beset by downforce deficiencies.
Binotto does not think that Ferrari can significantly improve its SF90 in the near future, with the Canadian Grand Prix coming up this weekend.
“We know we’re not competitive enough right now and, for the time being we haven’t got any more changes coming on the car that will have a significant effect on the problems we have encountered since the start of the season,” he said.
“However, the Canadian track characteristics present another different challenge, given that top speed, braking efficiency and traction are the main considerations.
“We arrive here ready to do our best and to put the mistakes of the last few races behind us.”
The characteristics of Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve are expected to favour Ferrari more than other circuits, given that the long straights play to its strength in engine performance.
However, Binotto was hesitant to predict that his squad can seriously challenge Mercedes in Montreal.
“It’s very difficult to judge,” he said.
“I think we will be in a better shape compared to Barcelona, but I think they (Mercedes) have still got the best car and the strongest car at the moment.
“I think they are still the ones that should be ahead but maybe the gap will be closer.
“If there’s any opportunity, we will be ready to take it.”
Practice in Canada starts on Saturday morning at 0000 AEST.
