Ferrari energized by 'clear target' of beating McLaren to P3

Mattia Binotto says Ferrari has set itself the clear objective of beating McLaren to P3 in the Constructors' championship this season, a target that is spurring on the Scuderia.

The Scuderia outscored its top midfield rival in Turkey last time out, but McLaren retains a 7.5-point lead in the standings ahead of this week's US Grand Prix.

However, the fight is tense between the two teams for the final spot on the podium, thanks in large part to Ferrari upswing in performance this season.

Binotto has made clear to his troops what needs to be achieved this year and suggests the team's purpose is driving its energy.

"It’s certainly a target that we have already communicated to the team," Binotto said, quoted by Motorsport.com.

"I think everybody is on board with that. It would be great to finish third.

"I think even working with the clear objective by the end of this season, it’s important for us because it’s a way of working under pressure and being trained to that.

"So yes, our objective is to finish third at the end of the season."

In Russia, Ferrari finally introduced its new hybrid system that will feature on its 2022 power unit.

Charles Leclerc spoke of marginal gains in Sochi, but Carlos Sainz, who was the recipient of the new element in Turkey, hopes the upgrade will help the Scuderia build a "little edge" over McLaren in the final leg of the 2021 season, and thus help its charge to P3 in the championship.

"You saw [in Turkey] we were quicker than McLaren," Sainz commented. "In Sochi, they were quicker than us. So I still believe it’s going to be up and down until the end of year.

"What this engine should give us, I think, it’s the possibility for the circuits where we are behind to be a bit closer to them, and in the circuits where we are in front, to be maybe a bit further up.

• Read also: Ferrari admits 'taking some risks' by pushing engine update

"This is what we were looking for since the upgrade was pushed forward, and what we hope is going to give us that little edge to try and make the fight a bit more complicated.

"[In Turkey] we managed to cut 10 points on them, which in the points we are fighting is quite a big cut.

"We are fighting and six races to go, anything can happen."

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