Ferrari Have Made A ‘Big Jump Forward On The Engine Front’ – Marko

Ferrari had the weakest power unit in Formula One last season, and all Ferrari-powered cars struggled, especially at power-hungry circuits.

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Ferrari had a woeful 2020 campaign, with their SF1000 proving uncompetitive due to a combination of a weakened power unit and a draggy, aerodynamically inefficient chassis.

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The Italian car-maker will run a new power unit in 2021 – and, according to senior Red Bull advisor Dr Helmut Marko, it should give the Scuderia a shot at fighting for third in the Constructors’ Championship.

“I understand they have made a big jump forward on the engine front,” Dr Marko said.

“I think they have got over the shock of last season, when they were 50bhp behind. They are motivated again now.

“The chances of them going for third place in the Constructors’ Championship are definitely there,” he added.

Earlier, the Austrian said he isn’t expecting the newly rebranded Aston Martin F1 Team to be a threat to Red Bull in 2021.

He reiterated this in a separate interview but said he believes Sebastian Vettel could have a chance of clinching a grand prix victory if Mercedes and Red Bull have a bad race.

“I don’t think you can make up for that in one season,” Dr Marko said.

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“It’s also about the infrastructure in the team. For a World Championship everything has to be right – the pit stops, the further development. I don’t see Aston Martin getting that far yet.

“His last two years at Ferrari were not of the Vettel level we know of him.

“It’s pretty clear: he has to deliver now. He will probably fight for the third spot in the Constructors’ Championship.”

“Maybe he can fight for a win again if there are problems with the teams in front.”

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