Ferrari looking for confirmation at Imola of Portimão gains

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Ferrari will head to its home race this week at Imola seeking confirmation of the "positive results" achieved at Portimão on the back of the recent aero changes to its SF1000.

The first half of Ferrari's 2020 campaign was undermined by a car suffering from too much aerodynamic drag and powered by a weak engine.

Improvements to its power unit will need to wait until next year but a series of aero updates initiated at the Russian GP at Sochi have undeniably improved the pace of its 2020 contender, as Charles Leclerc's strong Portuguese Grand Prix weekend demonstrated.

"In Portimao, we completed a development programme that began in Sochi," explained Iñaki Rueda, Ferrari's Head of Race Strategy.

"In Portugal specifically, we introduced a new floor and diffuser, which we had wanted to test at the Nürburgring, but could not because of the rain.

"We also experimented with a new configuration to the end of the floor to reproduce the downforce levels we will have in 2021, after recent changes to the technical regulations, and also tried some solutions that should help to warm up the tyres, an area in which we have suffered this year, especially in the low temperatures we have encountered in this unusual season.

"I’d say the results were positive, to the extent we then fitted the updates to both cars. Now we have to confirm what we saw in Portimao this coming weekend at Imola," he added.

Read also: Binotto refutes allegations that Ferrari cars aren't identical

Teams will enjoy just a single practice session at Imola as the event will unfold around a challenging two-day format that will inevitably pressure teams into making quick decisions.

But Rueda believes the compressed schedule might well offer the Scuderia a chance to shine.

"That will be another unusual weekend give that the event takes place over just two days.

"It won't be the first time, given that in the past, bad weather has led to sessions being delayed to the following day, but it will still be a different experience.

"Who knows, it might be an additional opportunity to do well."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.