With the 2012 Formula One world championship set to go the distance, Fernando Alonso says it will be a stiff battle between Ferrari and Red Bull as both the teams will push hard for the title.
Currently placed second on the drivers’ standings with 209 points (which is six points away from leader Sebastian Vettel of Red Bull), Ferrari’s Alonso is not unduly concerned about the future.
“It is a matter of pushing to the limits — the developments, the cars, the strategies, the approaches for weekends.
“The teams are up and down in terms of performances. Drivers’ performances have been up and down as well…So far, we have done 16 perfect races and if we do four more then we will be close to the championship,” said Alonso while interacting with the newspersons at the Buddh International Circuit (BIC) here on Thursday.
Team’s support
The Spaniard said all members of the Ferrari team, which slipped to the second slot last week, were keen on winning the constructors’ championship and would “attack” in the remaining races.
“It will be a battle of packages. Everyone will have his strong points and weak points. At the moment, we saw in the last races Red Bull had the fastest cars, especially on Saturdays. This is the point they will try to use and we will try to use our strong points.”
Referring to the good showing of Vettel and Red Bull in the last few races, Alonso said his team needed “to improve our level of competitiveness.”
Alonso said he had to aim at better grid positions in order to avoid crashes.
“If you start on pole position, you avoid 99 per cent crashes. We need to improve our start to avoid this. We have been already very calm and not taking any risk. The retirements were just completely out of our hands.”
Massa keen
The other Ferrari driver, Felipe Massa, who has just one podium finish this season (second in Japan) and is positioned ninth with 81 points, was eager to get some good results in the remaining races and close the year on a happier note.
However, Massa, who has served Ferrari for seven years, underlined his commitment for his team and his teammate Alonso.
“We are a strong team and we work well together. But there is also healthy competition between us.
“I hope we both can win points for the team here,” said the Brazilian while promoting Shell Helix lubricants.
Massa, who had a forgettable race in the inaugural Indian Grand Prix, appreciated the track at the BIC and hoped to give a better performance this time.
Challenging track
Alonso said the track was challenging and would be enjoyable only after cars run on it in the next two days before the race day.
