Regardless of the pole position Charles Leclerc is aware that in tomorrow's race it will be immediately under attack by its closest competitors: “The long plane to the second bend allows everyone else significantly more options than the one in the first starting position. Regardless of everything, I managed good qualifications, but as I said, I'm not sure that the first starting position in Sochi is a special advantage, because the plane is really long. First I have to make a good start, but then a lot will depend on how to defend the position before the second and third corner. "
When he was reminded of the four consecutive pole positions he had last achieved with Ferrari before him Michael Schumacher, Leclerc replied: “The achievement is very special to me personally, but I don’t want to think too much about statistics. I am focused on my task and a difficult test awaits me tomorrow, but pole position is definitely a good start. "
Lewis Hamilton he had to settle for second place, and after qualifying he once again emphasized Ferrari’s speed on flat sections of track: "We have extremely demanding qualifications behind us, because at Ferrari they are really fast on the plains. In fact, they are so fast that they are already a league unto themselves. I did my best, tried to make the most of the opportunities that the race car gives me and I managed to get into the first starting line, which gives me good chances in tomorrow's race. I’ll see what can be done on the long start-finish plane, especially since I’m starting on mid-range tires. It all depends on Charles' start. "
Third place Sebastian Vettel was, despite the fact that he was behind his teammate for the ninth time in a row, satisfied with what he had achieved: "I don't think third place on this track is the worst option, especially when we compare it to another track, say Monaco," he said. Vettel joked and continued in a more serious tone: “I had a lot of problems today. I'm not completely satisfied, I didn't drive the way I know in the last lap either. For tomorrow, I believe that we will be competitive, and I also see my opportunity in the lee behind the leaders, because immediately after the start we will have a long plane, where the lee can be used to your advantage. A lot will also depend on choosing the right strategy. "
