Among the many new features that will involve Ferrari during the Imola weekend, in addition to the expected technical updates, there is that linked to Charles Leclerc’s new track engineer. In fact, last week saw the official replacement of Xavi Marcos with Bryan Bozzi, who will join the Monegasque in his new role this weekend. Bozzi was already part of the Ferrarista’s entourage, which Leclerc but also Vasseur spoke about on Thursday in Imola.
Leclerc on Bryan Bozzi: “He is the perfect person for this role”
Charles Leclerc recounted how the choice of replacement was made after the last GP, in cooperation with the entire team: “It was a choice made by Xavi and the team together. I was aware of it just after Miami.”
Thus, the Monegasque will have a different track engineer at his side for the first time since 2019. However, Bryan Bozzi is not a new figure for Leclerc, who commented very positively on their history together:
“I have always had a close relationship with him. Until now he was working as a Performance Engineer, which is a pretty big promotion for Bryan. I understood the choice of team, and Bryan was the perfect person for this role, and I am confident that it will go well from the start.”
Therefore, total trust is a key figure for the rider during the race weekend and beyond:
“We had a very good relationship with Xavi, and I believe it will be the same with Bryan,” commented Charles.
“We’ve known each other for many years, we don’t have to relearn everything, we know how to work together. It changes the role a little bit, but I’m confident that Bryan will do it 100%, and we’ll get along well.”
Vasseur’s reasons for the decision
There is a synergy between the track engineer and the driver that goes beyond mere performance on the track, a 360-degree bond, which must also represent a source of stimulus for the driver. This is shown by Max Verstappen with Giampiero Lambiase, who have proven to have a very good partnership.
Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur also offered a point of view on the introduction of Bryan Bozzi as Charles Leclerc’s race engineer:
“Bryan has been with us since before I arrived. He has been working with Charles for a long time, and they have a really, really good technical collaboration. We are in a kind of continuous improvement. And we think it represents a step forward for us.”
Vasseur explains how this decision is another move for the team. This is another change for Ferrari, who are showing a clear desire to return to the top. In a scenario of this type, every factor can make a difference and it is important that each piece occupies the best possible position.
“In F1, we fight for details, and if you feel like you have something better somewhere, it’s always good to go for it.”
Fred Vasseur has no doubts about Bozzi’s abilities:
“I am convinced that Bryan is really good. He knows everyone in the team and the adaptation will be very easy.”
