Ferrari 'evaluating new concepts' for 2019 car

After a poor opening five races to the 2019 season for Ferrari, team principal Mattia Binotto says the Maranello squad is working to overthrow its disappointing form.

Ferrari's rivals Mercedes has taken five consecutive one-two finishes, which stands as the best start a team has ever made in the history of F1.

Last time out in Barcelona, Ferrari found itself losing a lot of time throughout the lap, despite the upgrades it brought to the circuit.

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After the race weekend, a two-day test was held, in which Binotto says Ferrari learned some valuable information regarding the Pirelli tyres, which has caused many teams problems this year.

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"Last week’s testing in Barcelona and analyses carried out in Maranello confirmed just how much this year’s tyres, which are very different to those we had in 2018, require different mechanical and aerodynamic settings to work properly," Binotto said. 

"We are already working in Maranello on evaluating new concepts, as well as bringing some initial further updates here."

Ferrari remembers Niki Lauda

Binotto paid respects to Niki Lauda, who died on Monday evening. Lauda won two world championships with Ferrari, in 1975 and 1977. 

"The run up to this Monaco Grand Prix has been perturbed by our sadness at the news of Niki’s death," Binotto said.

"His straightforward no nonsense approach will be missed in Formula 1 and it will seem strange for all of us not seeing him in the paddock.

"Niki was a standard bearer for Ferrari and for Formula 1 and he pushed through changes in motor racing that made it even more professional, being ahead of his time in terms of being a stickler for detail which is now very much a key element of our sport."

Sebastian Vettel, who is hunting for his first win since the 2018 Belgian Grand Prix, added: Niki leaves a void that will be difficult to fill. "He was a genuine motor racing icon.

"Nevertheless, we are here to race. There’s no doubt that Monaco is the most iconic race of the season, driving uphill at first and then down through the city streets, before going through the very quick tunnel in the dark, coming out into the port section.

"It’s really unique. For the drivers and engineers, this bumpy track is a world away from the circuits we are used to and that makes it even more challenging.

"The cars need maximum aero downforce and a set-up that gives the driver the confidence needed to brush the walls to chase the fastest lap time.

"There’s no room for error in Monaco and with just seven corners and no real straight, overtaking is almost impossible.

"That’s why it’s vital to qualify well. The track is so short that, in free practice and qualifying, there’s always traffic. You just have to keep going to try and find a clean lap.”