Luca: Dear Ferrari fans, I hurt...
Credit: PlanetF1.com (www.planetf1.com)
Ferrari President Luca di Montezemolo admits losing the World title at the final hurdle has left him with a "bitter aftertaste."
Ferrari's chances of claiming the Drivers' Championship were undone in Abu Dhabi last Sunday when a "wrong evaluation from the pitwall", as di Montezemolo calls it, resulted in Fernando Alonso losing to Sebastian Vettel by four points.
Days later, the Ferrari President admits it still hurts.
"A couple of days after the huge disappointment of the outcome of this season's last race, which still hurts, I want to talk to you," he wrote in an open letter to Ferrari fans.
"I felt, just like you and the whole team that the goal we have been pursuing over the whole season even when others had written us off was even closer after Saturday afternoon's qualifying.
"Unfortunately a wrong evaluation from the pitwall during a crucial stage compromised the race, preventing the conquest of the title. The five marvellous victories by Fernando and the team weren't enough to reach our goal. This is the law of sports."
Di Montezemolo, though, took the opportunity to thank all at Ferrari for their hard work over the course of the season as well as the fans, who had encouraged Ferrari and even those who had "criticised" the team.
"I think that all those who have worked so hard during the year - technicians, mechanics, workers and drivers - have to be thanked for their commitment, their dedication and their competence they showed every single one of them. I thanked them personally last Sunday evening at the track and yesterday at the Works, but today I want to do it together with our fans.
"Unfortunately the final is not on a level with an exciting season, where we were the undisputed protagonists of an incredible pursuit race and therefore the result leaves us with an even bigger bitter aftertaste.
"I also whole-heartedly want to thank all of you, who encouraged us, cheered for us, stimulated us and criticised us, although always with affection and the passion, which characterises those who really love Ferrari. It's during those moments, which aren't so easy, when you recognise the real fans like you."
The Italian has vowed to come back stronger next season and has already targeted victory in the opening race of the 2011 Championship.
"I received numerous messages of encouragement, strengthening our desire to react. We all want to get back onto the track immediately for a return game, but we have to wait until the start of the next Championship.
"Meanwhile we will continue to work relentlessly on the 2011 single-seater, because we all, together with you have an objective: taking a winning car onto the track as of the first race."
Credit: PlanetF1.com (www.planetf1.com)
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