Ferrari team chief Marco Mattiacci has warned the iconic team’s fans to expect “an extremely difficult” home race at this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix at Monza.
While most attention will be focused on the resumption of hostilities between the championship leading Mercedes duo Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton, the Tifosi will be more concerned with the travails of the scarlet Scuderia as they bid for some glory on home soil.
“We must keep doing what we’ve been doing, which is keep very calm, make the right decisions knowing that we are away from the top, and take any opportunities,” said Mattiacci.“That’s the approach we have for Monza. It’s going to be extremely difficult, we are aware of that. Let’s see what we can do on the other side.”
I want to win for Ferrari: Alonso
Ferrari have not won their home Grand Prix since two-time champion Fernando Alonso was triumphant in 2010 — a feeling he wants to repeat in the future, if winning is beyond the team this Sunday, he said this week.
“I want to win for Ferrari, I want to win here and finish the job that we started some years ago,” said the Spaniard in an interview with Sky Sports News, during which he also made clear he has no intention of leaving Ferrari.
Alonso acknowledged that he is not relishing racing his Ferrari this year following the radical rule changes that have reduced noise and speed, and increased the frustration.
“It’s quite boring in the car,” he admitted. “It’s a tough year to be in Formula One.”
The same cannot be said for Mercedes where, following Rosberg’s collision with Hamilton at the Belgian Grand Prix, the team reprimanded and punished the championship-leading German.
He and Hamilton, who is 29 points behind with seven races remaining, spoke of continuing to work together, despite their differences and rivalry, but it is difficult to imagine that they will avoid any further conflict for the title.
“It is clear that Mercedes keep showing a consistent performance, particularly in the overall package,” said Mattiacci, when asked about Ferrari’s prospects at Monza.
“We have been facing heavy races [before] with a concern about our lack of competitiveness, but at the same time, there is always an opportunity. Formula One is about drivers, human beings, and strategy.”
Published in The Express Tribune, September 5th, 2014.
Like Sports on Facebook, follow @ETribuneSports on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.
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