Stefano Domenicali backs Fernando Alonso’s driving, says tricky overtaking in 2011 – Formula 1
Ferrari’s team principal Stefano Domenicali has backed the overtaking manoeuvre of Fernando Alonso against McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton after which both drivers were penalised. Stefano commented that in the 2011 Formula 1 season, overtaking is becoming crucial
and drivers will have to take risks in accomplishing that.
Alonso and Hamilton were neck-to-neck for at least three laps and for the first time, the Spaniard was showing some competitiveness in his Ferrari despite having a problem with his rear movable wing. Both drivers were going for the third and final step of
the podium. Alonso crashed his Ferrari into Hamilton’s McLaren on the fourth turn in the final few laps of the race. Alonso quickly realised his mistake and gave back the position back to the Brit, but the damage had already been done.
Alonso broke the front wing of the car and was in the pit-stop which compromised his chances for a podium finish. Hamilton, on the other hand, was out on the track fighting for the podium but was losing almost 2 seconds each lap because the floor of his
car was damaged and he did not have enough down force to steer the car home. Renault’s Nick Heidfeld grabbed the opportunity by both hands and finished third.
Hamilton finished seventh in the final standings and Alonso sixth. After the race, Stewards penalised both cars and added 20 seconds to their final time, after which Hamilton was down to eighth position while Alonso kept his sixth position.
Stefano commented about the overtaking that Alonso did nothing wrong. “I like the way he is driving, it is fantastic, but the other consideration is that we need to consider this year is that if you go off line it is a big problem. The track is all dirty
with the marbles,” commented Stefano.
Stefano added that the 2011 season is already very tough with all the new innovations and especially the Pirelli tyres, the drivers will go for any opportunity available to them. “If you do have a chance to overtake with a clear situation then you have to
take some risks because it is not easy,” added Stefano.
The next race is the Chinese Grand Prix scheduled for 17 April.
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