Ferrari believe the race for this year’s Formula One constructors’ title is still wide open despite gaining ground over rival teams after Sunday’s British Grand Prix.
Spaniard Fernando Alonso settled for second after a late charge from Silverstone race-winner Mark Webber of Red Bull, while his Ferrari teammate Felipe Massa finished fourth. That meant the Italian outfit secured 30 points, gaining vital ground in the constructors’ championship standings. Ferrari are now second, 64 points behind Red Bull, and the title could come down to a two-horse race between them unless rival teams quickly improve their performance.
However, Ferrari boss Stefano Domenicali remains convinced that their rivals are still worthy contenders.
“If we look at the situation of Silverstone, with the first four cars, it means we have done a step in the right direction from the performance point of view, but it is a very open championship,” said Domenicali. “I don’t believe that the others will stay behind. I am sure McLaren will fight to come back, and the others are very close.”
Domenicali added that it was important for his team to continue working hard and admitted he would not be content until they had produced the fastest car on the grid.
“With such a tight competition, if you are behind in one area then it will be a problematic end to the season. I’ll not be happy until our car becomes the strongest. At the moment we’re not there, but we’re getting very close.”
Red Bull in no rush over Webber future
Meanwhile, Red Bull boss Christian Horner insisted the team was in no rush to discuss a new contract with Mark Webber despite his scintillating win at the British Grand Prix.
“We have a great relationship with Mark,” said Horner. “This is his seventh season with the team. He has had all of his success in F1 with this team and we would like to see that continue. We can’t control what other people say. I think that Mark feels comfortable in the team.”
Horner did confirm however, that the team would be discussing a new contract with the 35-year-old in the coming weeks.
“Mark wants to be in the team next year and as we have always stated, during the summer, we will sit down and talk about the future.”
Published in The Express Tribune, July 10th, 2012.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ