Binotto: Charles hasn’t put a foot wrong

After a disappointing first half of the Formula 1 season marked by near-misses, Ferrari and Leclerc have now racked up three poles in a row and are perfectly placed for a third successive victory.

Binotto said of the team's 21-year-old ace, "Charles set an impressive pole by extracting the maximum from the car, which around here is extremely tricky and he took some risks. He hasn’t put a foot wrong and has improved his confidence throughout the season."

The Scuderia's team principal also credited the latest updates to the car for an unexpected result at a venue which was not supposed to suit the SF90.

“We knew that we brought here a new aero package in the right direction,” Binotto told Sky Sports television. “But even more I think for us it’s important to know that we are developing the car in the right direction because that will be useful as well for next year."

“After the wins in Spa and Monza certainly there is a great boost in the team; everybody was coming here hoping to do something special and today at least we did it.”

Pole position is always important in Singapore, a slow and twisty circuit where overtaking is difficult, and the winner has started from the top of the grid in eight of 11 races here to date.

Red Bull and champions Mercedes had been expected to set the pace around the floodlit city streets but Ferrari took them by surprise.

“At least we have identified the weaknesses and are addressing them,” said Binotto of the car’s pace on a track where the driver can also make a difference. “I still believe that the others are very strong and that we need to close the gap in some areas but at least we are on the good way.”

Mercedes had five-times world champion Lewis Hamilton, who has a 63-point lead in the championship, qualify second and Valtteri Bottas fifth.

Team boss Toto Wolff recognised that they faced a battle on Sunday, “This is a circuit where you would have thought the Red Bulls and Mercedes are going to battle for pole, like in Hungary."

“But it’s an odd circuit, it’s different. They did a good job today, their car is fast and we’ve got to get our act together tomorrow.

“They are gaining a few tenths on the straights but are also very quick in the corners so it’s just quicker everywhere. The statistics are against us, I guess, but the race hasn’t started yet.

“If Lewis has a decent start and Valtteri is able to improve a position or two then we are in a good position,” added the Austrian.