Leclerc credits 'step-by-step' approach for improvement

Charles Leclerc has revealed that he's made a conscious change of approach since the previous Grand Prix weekend in Portugal, and says that it helped boost his performance in today's free practice.

Leclerc finished Friday third fastest behind the two Mercedes drivers, and was just 0.165s behind Lewis Hamilton's best run in Barcelona.

"It was a very good day," the Ferrari driver commented after the end of the session. "We had a good day, a clean day.

• Read also: FP2: Hamilton and Bottas end Friday quickest in Barcelona

"I changed a little bit my approach compared to Portimão, taking it a lot more step-by-step," he said, explaining that much of the day had been spent running and analysing the medium tyres that had been such a problem for the team last time out.

"I think we know where to improve, now let’s see if we make a good job by just getting better where we are struggling at.

"And I’m just driving a lot better and in a better place with the car, so hopefully we can keep on building on that strong first day for tomorrow."

Leclerc said that Saturday's qualifying session would be especially important, and this was a track where it was difficult to overtake. However he remained realistic about what was possible this weekend.

"If we can be right behind the Mercedes and Red Bull, that’s the best we can hope for right now," he said. “If there’s good surprises, even more than that, it will be welcome.

"But I think the objective should be to be just behind them."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter