Ferrari expects both drivers on top - Stefano Domenicali
Stefano Domenicali ruled out rumours that Ferrari will only favour Fernando Alonso even in 2011 and Felipe Massa will just be a wing man for Fernando just like Rubens Barrichello was during Michael Schumacher’s 5 year title reign in the team.
Despite Fernando Alonso’s dominance this year, Stefano claims that Ferrari will not favour either of the drivers in 2011 and they will have to fight their way to the top themselves if they want to win the title.
Massa was proved to be seen as a wing man for Fernando Alonso even when his title chances were not over and was asked to brake so that Fernando could score the maximum points at the German Grand Prix.
“Our drivers have to know what is in the interest of the team. I can confirm that Felipe will be able to start from scratch in 2011, but always knowing that Ferrari is the most important”, Domenicali told a newspaper.
Felipe Massa has been struggling drastically this season and has been unable to match the pace of his teammate. Felipe blames the tyre compound this year for his loss just like his former teammate and 7 time World champion Michael Schumacher.
“I trust him completely and want to make clear that he is a great team player and a great driver. I think that when you do not have a perfect season, you have to look at yourself and react. Felipe knows that the team is with him. He knows we are here to
make him the best driver he can be”, added the team boss.
This season has been very disappointing for the Brazilian driver as he has not been able to cope up with his teammate during both qualifying session and the race. Felipe needs to man up a bit because the season is almost over now and since it has been more
than 9 months, getting used to a tyre compound is not a big deal. Besides, Formula 1 drivers are known to be the best drivers on this planet and if they can’t get used to flexible conditions, then they don’t deserve to race in Formula 1.
“I don't think his performance is related only to the tyres. We have to put all the pieces together and try to understand the reasons for him not having the best possible season”, said Stefano.
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