New Delhi: After losing the 2010 drivers' title by a whisker, Ferrari were expected to launch a strong challenge this year. However, in the first three races, their performance has been anything but convincing. That Ferrari have struggled to match the pace of Red Bull Racing and McLaren is evident from the fact that none of its drivers (Fernando Alonso or Felipe Massa) have managed to score a podium finish yet.
In an exclusive interview, Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali talks about the reasons behind the team's poor start and how it aims to regroup in the upcoming races.
How do you feel about the first three races?
Clearly, we cannot be satisfied with our start to this season. Performance and results have been well below our expectations and we know we must step up a gear as quickly as possible to try and make up lost ground. However, things can change very quickly in Formula 1 and so now it's down to us to ensure those changes go in favour of the Prancing Horse.
After the 2010 season, one of the things you mentioned was ensuring the team performed well from the start. What do you think has gone wrong?How much part has the three factors – KERS, DRS and Pirelli tyres – played in the disappointing start to this season?
None whatsoever. Our lack of form is due mainly to a lack of aerodynamic downforce. KERS is working as planned and, so far, has proved to be effective and reliable. As for the tyres, they are the same for all the teams and it is up to us to make the best possible use of them.
Are you satisfied with the performance of Pirelli tyres?
As I said before, it's not a case of being satisfied or not with the tyres, given that we are operating in a monopoly situation. There is still definitely a long way to go for all the teams to find the right way of getting the most out of them. Having said that, it has to be said that Pirelli has done a great job in the space of just a few months.
Has the time to hit the panic button arrived? What results would you want in the European leg to remain in the title hunt?
If there is one thing you don't want to do is to panic, as it definitely does not help you do better. Now we are about to tackle three races in four weeks: it will be important to show that we are back on form and to make it to the podium, something that has escaped us in all of the first three races of the season.
What upgrades are expected for Turkey?
We are not expecting a major turnaround in performance in Istanbul. The 150º Italia will have a few aerodynamic updates, but nothing sensational.
What are your views about the proposed 2013 engine regulations?
As a car constructor, we would have preferred a choice that was closer to our commercial production, but we respect the decision of the Federation. For our part, we are working in order to be ready within the deadlines currently planned by the FIA.
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