Unlike the last four races Ferrari have been unable to keep up with Mercedes during the opening sessions of the Japanese Grand Prix but Sebastian Vettel has offered some hope, admitting he is expecting more from his car.
Having won three of the last four Ferrari finished fourth and fifth in FP2 at Suzuka, behind Mercedes and Max Verstappen. The upgrade package Mercedes brought to Japan appears to have given them an edge of their rivals once again, having dropped off slightly following the summer break.
If qualifying is cancelled on Sunday morning the Ferraris will start in those positions and face an even bigger challenge to break the Silver Arrows up.
Despite expecting more from his car Vettel accepts that they face an uphill battle if they are to compete come lights out.
"There is a bit more in the car, but you also have to be honest," Vettel said as quoted by RaceFans.net.
"Mercedes is always very fast every time they go out. In addition, Red Bull has also left a strong and comfortable impression.
"I expect a triple battle with them. I suspect that it will be very exciting.
"We lack speed, while the balance is not even dramatic."