Leclerc says 'not realistic' to expect podium in Spanish GP

Charles Leclerc will line up fourth on Sunday's Spanish GP grid, but the Ferrari charger believes he'll be hard-pressed to secure a podium finish on merit in the race.

Leclerc was critical last week at Portimão of his hasty approach to the weekend's sessions, and has therefore focused on a more gradual step-by-step process in Barcelona which so far has served him well.

"Happy with today," the Monegasque told Sky F1 after qualifying. "I don't think there was much more to do in terms of position for sure.

"In terms of laptime, maybe a little bit more in the last sector, I didn't put everything together, but apart from that, very very satisfied with today."

Ferrari's race in Portugal was undermined in large part by the heavy graining on the medium tyre encountered by both Leclerc and teammate Carlos Sainz.

However, Barcelona's track characteristics appear to offer a more favourable environment for the Scuderia.

But aiming for a spot among the top three on Sunday would be unrealistic according to Leclerc, unless unexpected circumstances come into play. For the two-time Grand Prix winner, the priority will be to fend off the assaults of fellow midfield contender McLaren.

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"Anything is possible but realistically I think it's going to be very difficult," he said. "In normal conditions I don't believe we can keep that third place in case we get there at one point.

"The goal is to extract the maximum out of the car, and if third is the best we can do tomorrow than we can be third, but I think the most important is that we try to score with both cars as much points as possible.

"We are in front of both McLarens which are our main competitors for this year and this is an important fight.

"We need to try and take as much points home as possible."

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