F1: Ferrari Must Take A Calm Approach

Formula 1

F1: Ferrari Must Take A Calm Approach - Domenicali

Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali looks ahead...

Adam Cooper | http://www.speedtv.com | Posted January 11, 2012 Balen (BEL)

Ferrari team boss Stefano Domenicali (Right) stands with drivers Fernando Alonso (Center) and Felipe Massa (Left). (Photo: LAT Photographic)

Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali says that the team has to stay calm even if it has a difficult start to the year with its new car.

Speaking at a media event in Italy today, Domenicali stressed that 2012 would be a long season.

“Clearly, this will be a tricky year, but that is part of any sport, even more so when one looks at the environment in which Ferrari operates,” said the 46-year-old. “There are expectations that need to be managed as well as possible, and I am well aware that the emotional aspect is very important in a team like ours.

“But that will not change my approach. We will not get over excited if things go well, nor will we be down if we have some difficulties, especially at the start, because we know this is going to be a very long season. We must stay grounded and calm, maintaining our motivation and concentration.

“Of course, winning is our primary objective and I believe we are preparing ourselves in the right way for this. Everyone is working hard on improving the performance of the car, paying great attention to every little detail. I expect even those who have just joined us to make a significant contribution to what is already a strong group of people. Because once in a while a breath of fresh air can liven things up.”

Domenicali reiterated that the new car – the first designed under the leadership of Pat Fry – represents a break with the past. He also joked about is looks.

“It’s definitely different, because it represents a clear break with the past in terms of the design philosophy. It’s not that pretty, because the shape defined by the technical regulations does not leave much scope, but, and this is what counts really, our hopes are that it is at the very least quick!

“I asked our engineers, as far back as last summer to look into every little nook and cranny of the rules to push it to the limit, but up until we see the other cars we will not know if we have taken it to the limit or are within it. Then, to really understand the hierarchy we will have to wait for qualifying in Melbourne. We must always bear in mind that the times one sees from testing are not always what they seem. At Jerez and the two Barcelona tests, we can get a rough idea, but nothing more.”

Adam Cooper notched up his 27th season as a racing journalist in 2011. He has written about F1 for SPEED.com since 2005. Follow him on Twitter.