Stefano Domenicali says plan ‘B’ ready if Ferrari fail in Chinese GP – Formula 1 Update
Ferrari’s team Principal, Stefano Domenicali, has spoken in desperation that if Ferrari’s performance in the Chinese Grand Prix is below expectation, then there is an alternate plan ready for the car’s development. Stefano is back in the Maranello factory
and commented that analysis is on the way to find the hurdle in Ferrari’s performance in the 2011 Formula 1 season.
Ferrari’s pre-season testing session performance and 2011 season start is a complete contrast. In the pre-season testing, Ferrari’s car was the most reliable and did the most number of laps than any other team.
As the Ferrari team moved to Australia for the season’s first Grand Prix, their performance was completely changed. Ferrari’s duo, Felipe Massa and Fernando Alonso, were way behind the roaring Red Bull Team in terms of pace. Both Alonso and Massa were fighting
for their team’s reputation as Sebastian Vettel was enjoying the top spot of the podium.
In Malaysia, things did not change much, as both Renault cars took the lead from Alonso in the first lap. Although Fernando was able to put on a good show in Malaysia against Lewis Hamilton, only until they crashed and received penalties. Twenty seconds
were added to Hamilton and Alonso’s time which did not dent the Spaniard’s sixth position. Although Alonso escaped the punishment in Malaysia, the Ferrari team is still behind where they are supposed to be.
Stefano commented about the team’s performance and said, “We are analysing everything to find out why things have not worked as expected at this stage of development.” Stefano added that the team will wait until Shanghai after which the Plan B upgrades will
be brought into Ferrari.
“We already have in place an alternative programme that will be introduced as soon as possible. We have a deadline. Now we go to Shanghai where we must decide whether to continue with this aero package or change direction,” explained Stefano.
Domenicali, along with Pat Fry and Aldo Costa are back in the Maranello factory to sort out a definite plan for the Ferrari team in the coming 17 races of the 2011 season.
The Chinese Grand Prix is scheduled to take place on 17 April in Shanghai.
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