Fernando Alonso expects a tough ride in first few races of 2012 – Formula 1 news
Ferrari driver Fernando Alonso expects a tough ride at the first few races of the forthcoming 2012 F1 season opening at Albert Park in Melbourne, Australia this weekend.
Moreover, the Spaniard admitted that the Scarlet team still had a lot of work to do on the new car F2012.
The Red team had been conveying mixed statements after the struggling pre-season testing programme. Where on one side the technical director, Pat Fry expressed his disappointment after the last test at Barcelona that they were not prepared for the podium
position in the first few races, on the other side, Felipe Massa asserted that a podium finish was possible at the season opener.
Moreover, the team principal, Stefano Domenicali had advised not to make any kind of judgements before the start of the season while Alonso had also said that the first races would be tougher.
“We definitely still need to improve a lot, working on our understanding of the F2012, adapting my driving style to a new car which, with the loss of aerodynamic downforce at the rear and the new Pirelli tyres, is a bit harder to drive,” Alonso told Ferrari's
official website.
Furthermore, Alonso said that the fans had always expected to hear that they could score points but they could not say with certainty where they would fall in the championship. In addition, he said that they had to wait until the qualifying session on Saturday
to say anything.
He also said that they could set the targets as soon as they would be able to know their position after the first race.
“We have to stay cool and calm and take one step at a time, starting with the race in Melbourne, where we will get an initial impression. Once we know where we stand, then we can set ourselves more precise targets,” said Alonso.
Nonetheless, Alonso said that they felt responsibility to perform well for themselves, their fans and their partners with a history they had behind them as a team where everyone wanted to win.
“We must all pull together to reach this target,” said Alonso.
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