Carlos Sainz: 'Ferrari need big step to beat Mercedes'

Carlos Sainz of Toro Rosso during previews to the Formula One Grand Prix of China at Shanghai International Circuit on April 14, 2016
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Carlos Sainz says that it would be a "surprise" if Ferrari were to break through for their first win of the season this weekend in Barcelona.

Carlos Sainz has said that it would be a "surprise" if Ferrari were to break through for their first win of the season this weekend in Barcelona.

Amid rumours of more looming personnel changes, the marque's president Sergio Marchionne said this week: "I am expecting a couple of wins shortly, starting at Montmelo."

To that end, Germany's Bild reports that Sebastian Vettel will head into the Spanish Grand Prix with new sidepods and a new diffuser, to go with the engine and front wing updates that were introduced in Russia.

However, Spaniard Sainz, who drives for Ferrari-powered Toro Rosso, is not sure that a step forward will be enough for the Maranello team to take on Mercedes this weekend.

"Here the soft tyre will maybe suit them better than Mercedes and [Ferrari] can always spring a surprise, but to beat Mercedes I think they would need a very big step," he said.

Ferrari are currently second in the team rankings with 76 points to Mercedes's 157.

Head of Vehicle Performance Rob Smedley of Williams during previews ahead of the British Formula One Grand Prix at Silverstone Circuit on July 3, 2014
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