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Binotto confident Ferrari can manage their tyres

Just like in Monaco, Ferrari will once again start from pole position. Charles Leclerc recorded the fastest time in qualifying for the Azerbaijan GP, with Carlos Sainz starting fifth. Tyre management will be a key, but Mattia Binotto believes the team are in a strong position to manage things.

Mattia Binotto is optimistic about Ferrari's chances of doing well at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on Sunday, noting that the team will face the same issues when it comes to tyre wear like other teams. Charles Leclerc starts on pole for the second race in a row, though this time he is expected to make the grid unlike in Monaco. Carlos Sainz starts further down in fifth, with Binotto stating he believes the team's setup will be able to handle the mix of twisty corners and high speeds that Baku has to offer. "We know that there are long straights, so in the race you need the speed to protect or attack," Binotto told Sky Sports. "We are running lower downforce compared to what the norm is for others. "Our package on that level of downforce is working properly in the slow speed [corners]. We've checked the [tyre] wear on Friday. I think we've collected data like most of the teams. "Tyre management will be a topic for the race, but I don't think it will be worse on our car compared to others. It will certainly aspect for the drivers to manage the tyres, especially on the very first lap as it can be a very long stint on the heart." When asked about Ferrari's prospects come the race on Sunday, Binotto believes the pieces are in place for the team to have a strong day. "We can have a strong day," Binotto added. "We know that Baku, when you look at the final results, it's often shuffled so we don't know what will happen. "I think we've got a car that is performing well both in qualifying and race conditions with high fuel. It will be a very long race, the first lap will not dictate the results. You may have red flags, you may have safety cars. Whatever happens, it is important for us again to show our progress."

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