Leclerc expects Monza set-up to lift Ferrari performance

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Charles Leclerc says that on paper, Monza's low-downforce characteristics should suit Ferrari although the Monegasque is unsure if any subsequent lift in performance will be enough for the Scuderia's cars to fight for a podium on Sunday.

Leclerc suffered his third DNF of the 2023 season last weekend at Zandvoort, a high-downforce track that did not particularly suit Ferrari's SF-23 car, although Carlos Sainz ran as high as third before concluding his Dutch Grand Prix fifth.

But Spa last month, where Leclerc qualified second and finished third, provided a more favourable terrain for Ferrari's war horse.

And Monza is much closer to the Belgian venue than it is to Zandvoort, argues Leclerc in support of his chances of producing a good result at Italy's Temple of Speed.

Read also: Alonso favors Williams and Ferrari to 'stand out' at Monza

"Let’s say it’s not exactly like Spa but the track characteristics are closer to the ones of Spa than Zandvoort and Budapest," he told the media at Monza on Thursday.

“So we should be a bit more competitive here. Whether it will be enough or not to fight for the podium, I don't know.

"But I really hope so. We'll do everything for it, for sure."

Ferrari's special one-off Le Mans tribute livery that the team is running on its cars this weekend won't shave a few tenths of a second off the SF-23's lap times, but Leclerc admits that racing on home ground always adds an extra dose of energy and motivation.

"We are lucky enough that driving for Ferrari, we've got support everywhere but obviously when we come to Italy, it's on a different level," said the five-time Grand Prix winner who won at Monza in 2019.

"So a very busy week, but also a very exciting one. I'm sure it motivates the whole team.

"So I'm really looking forward to going out on track and hopefully have a great result this weekend."

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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.