Stefano Domenicali aims for drivers', constructors' titles in 2011
Yesterday is history; all the Formula One teams are now looking ahead to the new season in 2011. Many things have been said about the upcoming season, and a number of teams have vowed to be stronger this year, but only time
will tell who will claim the honours in 2011.
One of the top teams in Formula One is Ferrari. The team missed out on both the constructors’ and drivers’ titles last year, but is aiming to return to the top next season. Team Principal Stefano Domenicali has stated that Ferrari’s
goal for the 2011 season is to win both championships.
He said, “For 2011 our goals is very clear, that we are aiming to win both the titles, constructors' and drivers' titles, this must be the goal of our team.”
Domenicali admitted that Ferrari wasn’t the strongest car on the grid last season, and due to that they had a lot of catching-up to do. Most of the points were scored by Spain’s Fernando Alonso, while team-mate Felipe Massa
struggled throughout the season.
Reflecting on last year’s performance, Domenicali said, “If you're not perfect within such a competitive environment, with opponents that are so strong with teams which also varied numerically, then it becomes difficult to win.”
The team is confident of providing a better car in the 2011 season. The strongest and the most dominant team last year was Red Bull, which won both titles in 2010.
Considering the statements of the team Principal, it clearly shows the talent that Alonso possesses. He was the championship leader before the teams headed to the last race in Abu Dhabi. However, he missed out on his third drivers'
title, due to a bad pit strategy.
There have been rumours circulating recently about a team which has developed something similar to the F-duct system, but Domenicali said that he was unaware of any such development.
The Ferrari Principal also commented on the approach of former Ferrari driver Kimi Raikonnen, and said that it was very different to that of Alonso. He praised Kimi and said that he had been a fantastic driver for the team.
Kimi won the driver’s championship in the very first season he raced for Ferrari. The team would have expected the same from Alonso, but the former champion ended up as runner-up to Sebastian Vettel.
Domenicali was confident that Massa would also have a strong season this year. The Brazilian is under a lot of pressure and hasn’t been able to perform as well as the team expected him to.
The team Principal said that in order to win the constructor’s championship, the team needs two drivers who can win races for the team. If one of the drivers is weaker, this can cost the team the title just like in 2010.
Massa’s team-mate is also hoping that the Brazilian driver can come-up with some good performances next season, and compete with him for the championship. However, Alonso claimed that the toughest challenge he will face will
come from seven-time champion Michael Schumacher.
It will be interesting to see which team will be the strongest in 2011. Last season's top three - Red Bull, Mclaren-Mercedes and Ferrari - are expected to be challenging again, but there may be a surprise from other teams such
as Mercedes, Renault and Force-India.
Tags: