Ferrari surprised at being so competitive
Last Updated: October 11, 2011 4:10pm
Stefano Domenicali: Optimistic about future
Ferrari chief Stefano Domenicali believes his team are in great shape for next season after an encouraging display in Japan at the weekend.
Fernando Alonso pushed Jenson Button to the wire in the closing stages, with the Briton just doing enough to hold off the Spaniard.
The feat was all the more remarkable as Ferrari stopped development on this year's car following the Hungarian Grand Prix to focus on resolving their issues for a renewed title tilt next season.
"If you look at what happened in Japan, there was not a huge gap to overcome," said Domenicali.
"I was impressed by our performance because we were close to first. To be honest with you we were not expecting to be so competitive.
Updates
"We had updates in Belgium and Italy that we were hoping to be an upgrade - but unfortunately they were a downgrade!
"So we went back to the car we had in Hungary, and we were very close to the car that won.
"As far as we understand both McLaren and Red Bull had new parts in the last couple of races.
"It is not clear as to how this (finishing so close) is possible, but in one respect it is a good base and means we are not that far away.
"So we need to be spot on in the preparation of the car without getting too anxious as to how far we are behind because we are maybe closer than we were thinking.
"We also need to ensure everything is under control in terms of development and the baseline of the car.
"One element that is crucial to understand is the tyre performance. There is a lot to learn on that after this season."
Like their rivals in Red Bull and McLaren, the remaining four races in Korea on Sunday, India, Abu Dhabi and Brazil are about building a platform for next season.
Statistics
And with only one win for Ferrari in 2011 compared to nine for Red Bull and five for McLaren, Domenicali is confident the team will improve.
"Japan showed the most important element is to be very strong, and when you are not so strong you are on the edge," added Domenicali.
"This has to motivate everyone at home to make sure we keep pushing because in the last four races we have to maximise the points and to achieve a win.
"That is within our possibilities, plus we are still fighting to get Fernando into second position (in the drivers' championship)."
Credit: Sky Sports (www.skysports.com)
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