Ferrari’s Stefano Domenicali says there is no need to panic yet – Formula 1 news
At the backdrop of shock and disappointment, Stefano Domenicali says that there is no need to panic yet.
Ferrari team boss Domenicali has downplayed the fears of Ferrari not good enough to challenge the top teams in the upcoming 2012 season.
Domenicali used the example of Italy’s 1982 world cup campaign and said that even if the chips are down Ferrari can never be taken out of the equation.
Italy was down in the initial phase of the 82’ world cup losing to France and East Germany with a draw against Switzerland. It caused a furore in the country and calls for team manager Enzo Bearzot’s head were rife. In twist and turn of fate, Italy turned
its game by winning the next four consecutive games against Argentina, Brazil, Poland and West Germany. The streak took the team to its first world cup in 44 years, third overall.
Domenicali took suggested that the fight will be a similar one.
“To those who ask me if I would sign today for a third place in Melbourne, I would say that I'm not signing anything,” Domenicali told reporters in Milan.
“Maybe the same will happen as in 1982, Italy got off to a bad start and then in the end, went on to win, when it mattered. As for the media silence,” he continued, referring to the lack of press conferences involving his team's drivers in Barcelona.
“I want to stress there was no such choice. In Barcelona we had decided that only the technical head, Pat Fry would talk and then Fernando said a couple of words to the stadium, a place of passion par excellence. That's all,” he added.
Domenicali accepted that the season ahead looks tough as, Red Bull once again start as favourites with McLaren, not too far behind. While Mercedes, Lotus, Force India and Toro Rosso look strong to create surprises. He added that those teams looked really
strong last year as well, so the real picture will only be revealed once the season starts.
It will be interesting to see how the season pans out for the Scarlet team, it would be a crucial season for Domenicali as he could be made the scapegoat of a potential dismal performance.
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