Fernando Alonso has admitted Ferrari need to make major improvements if they are to have a chance of competing for titles in 2012.
Ferrari driver admits car needs development to compete
Fernando Alonso has admitted Ferrari need to make major improvements if they are to have a chance of competing for titles in 2012.
The radical F2012 proved to be off the pace in pre-season testing and Technical Director Pat Fry ha s ruled out the team challenging for a podium place in Melbourne.
Whilst some have remained wary of Ferrari's claims, thinking they may have been sandbagging during testing, Alonso was keen to keep the fans expectations in check.
Writing in his personal blog on Ferrari's
official website, the Spaniard said: "I know the fans always expect to hear me say that we can obtain such and such a result, but the truth is that we cannot say with certainty where we are. We must wait until Saturday evening at six, after qualifying.
"We definitely still need to improve a lot, working on our understanding of the F2012, adapting my driving style to a new car which, with the loss of aerodynamic downforce at the rear and the new Pirelli tyres, is a bit harder to drive.
Direction
"We know in which direction we need to go in terms of car development and that's an important step.
"Sure, we will have to grit our teeth for the first few races, but first of all, we have to see exactly where we are in terms of being competitive and then give our all to bring home as many points as possible in this early stage of the championship."
"We have to stay cool and calm and take one step at a time.
"Once we know where we stand, then we can set ourselves more precise targets."
