Leclerc: P4 confirms Ferrari development 'is the right one'

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Charles Leclerc says his performance in Sunday's Spanish GP in which he finished P4 validates Ferrari's current development direction.

The Monegasque launched his race form fourth on the grid but put in a brilliant move on the outside of Valtteri Bottas at Turn 3 to snatch third from the Finn, a position he would hold until his tyre swap on lap 29.

Although Bottas remained out of reach in the second half of the 66-lap race, Leclerc enjoyed a comfortable margin over Red Bull's Sergio Perez to hold his own in P4.

"I had a good start, then I went for the outside in Turn 3 and it worked out for us," commented a delighted Leclerc.

"And then from that moment onwards, we’ve had a very, very good race, very competitive throughout the whole race, and surely for now, P4 is the best we could have done today.

"So I’m happy with what the team have done over the weekend; we should be happy in moments like this and now we need to just work more and to improve the car and fight for third."

Read also: Determined Hamilton seals strategic win in Spain

Beyond the productive points haul, which has allowed Ferrari to close within five points of midfield rival McLaren in the Constructors' standings, the result also confirmed the Scuderia's development direction Leclerc noted.

"It feels very good, because it just means that everything we do, every direction we’ve taken so far in terms of development is the right one, and we can show it on track," he said.

"It’s always a good feeling, and I’m pretty sure that everyone in Maranello is happy to see the result on track."

Buoyed by his performance at the Circuit de Catalunya, Leclerc is naturally looking forward to his upcoming home race at Monaco.

"Monaco is always very special, it will be the first race of the season where we'll have, not full grandstands but 50 per cent or something like this, so really looking forward to it."

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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.