Binotto: 1000th race gives "extra reason to perform"

Mattia Binotto's start as Ferrari team principal could have been much better. Despite having the best car, they still sit behind Mercedes in the constructors' championship. He is confident the car will perform well in China, the 1000th Formula 1 Grand Prix. 

“It is a different circuit than Melbourne and Bahrain. We are dealing here with a very long straight and curves that stress the front in particular," Binotto told motorbox. 

“We are naturally keen to challenge the competition. We will ensure this by achieving the competitive shape of the SF90 on this type of circuit and tackling Bahrain's reliability problems.

"The 1000th race on the calendar also provides a reason to go for maximum results," he adds. 

If it wasn't for an engine fault and Sebastian Vettel's spin, Ferrari may well have picked up the one-two that Mercedes achieved in Bahrain. Though you'd think it will only be a matter of time before Scuderia get everything right.