Formula One Latest: Ferrari confident of finishing the season on a high note
Ferrari has geared up for an enthralling finish to the F1 season which reaches its climax in a few weeks time. Ferrari will be pushing to secure the drivers’ championship for resurgent Fernando Alonso as well as constructors’ championship.
Alonso has also asked his team to get ready for more pain if they want to win the championship.
Ferrari started this season in lacklustre fashion as they were well behind the likes of Red Bull and McLaren till midseason. But the rejuvenated form of Alonso and back-to-back victories at Monza and Singapore saw the Italian team
come back into contention for both drivers’ and constructors’ championships. The Spaniard Alonso is now 11 points behind Red Bull’s Mark Webber with just few races left. Alonso believes that a single mistake in any of upcoming races can turn out to be catastrophic
for his team.
The Two-time world champion said, “These two consecutive wins have reduced the gap that had built up but we are definitely not leading yet. Now it starts getting serious, we will have to experience some pain and it is time for
everyone to give their all, without taking a single backward step. There are still five drivers in the hunt for the title.”
This season has seen many ups and downs which has the driver’s championship being contested by 5 drivers. With a new point system, the race for the title is certain to go to the wire. Alonso is also wary of this fact and believes
that podium finishes are the only way to secure this season’s championship. Alonso has praised his team for building a versatile car which comfortably adapted to contrasting tracks of Monza and Singapore.
Meanwhile, Ferrari’s boss Luca di Montezemolo has asked Felipe Massa to do whatever is necessary to assist his team-mate in his shot at championship title. He said, “I have waited for Felipe with great perseverance in the last
four races. I want a strong Massa who will shave points off the rivals. In Singapore he had some bad luck, but he is in good condition to win. Those who race for Ferrari don't race for themselves, but for the Ferrari team colours.”
Montezemolo also asserted that their decision to focus on Alonso proved right and is paying dividends now in the form of race wins. Montezemolo believes that the Spaniard is mentally very strong and definitely capable of winning
another championship. He also praised the efforts of his team and their never-say-die approach which has allowed Ferrari to come back into contention despite a slow start. He specifically praised the role of Stefano Domenicali and Aldo Costa. The Italian said,
“First of all the decision to focus on Alonso has been proven to be right. He is extremely strong and very close to the team, and has been able to blend in well from day one despite the concerns of some. The second is the spirit of determination of the team
that has never been broken and disjointed.”
Montezemolo believes that the final race in Abu Dhabi will be the key and will decide the fate of the championship. According to Montezemolo, the F1 championship has always been won or lost in the last race since 1997. He is hopeful
that his team will keep up the momentum which it gained after wins in Italy and Singapore. Montezemolo asserted that Ferrari has the best record in the contemporary era and it is its philosophy to fight till the end and this year’s performance has substantiated
their resilience.
“Ferrari has always been team to beat. We won eight constructors' world championships in the last ten years, it is important for me to reach the highest levels in Formula 1 this year as well. We're second and we will contest the
championships until the very end,” Ferrari’s boss said.
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