Spanish GP 2014 Team news & quotes

[Nero Horse]

Spain has been a happy hunting ground for Ferrari over the years.

http://grandprix247.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/dcd1213my108-001.jpg

Sunday sees the 44th Spanish Grand Prix take place at the Circuit de Catalunya and for Scuderia Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso it’s his home race.

A year ago he triumphed here after a winning drive, that was partly down to a very on-form F138, which also helped Felipe Massa make it to the third step of the podium.

Since the Spanish Grand Prix was first held in 1951 at Pedralbes, Barcelona, Ferrari has won the race 12 times, which is a 28% hit rate. The first victory came here in 1954, courtesy of Mike Hawthorn.

When the race returned to the calendar in 1968, it was held at Jarama on the outskirts of Madrid. Here in 1974, Ferrari won thanks to Niki Lauda who, at the wheel of a 312 B3-74. Niki also took pole position and the race fastest lap.

The last time the Spanish GP was held at Jarama in 1981, it produced one of Gilles Villeneuve’s greatest performances. At the wheel of a 126 CK, he drove an incredible race, holding up a whole train of cars that were faster than his in the corners, but not on the straights, where the Ferrari managed to hold its own.

In the Ligier, Jaques Laffite pulled alongside him several times through the turns, but on the straights, Villeneuve managed to keep ahead of the Frenchman. The race result paints an accurate picture of the race, as the top five all finished within 1.240 seconds.

In 1986, the Spanish Grand Prix made Jerez de la Frontera its home. Ferrari put its name on the winner’s trophy in 1990, with Alain Prost first past the flag, which opened up the title fight again with Ayrton Senna, who had to retire his McLaren.

The grand prix’s current home is the Catalunya circuit, at Montmelo, on the outskirts of Barcelona. Ferrari and Michael Schumacher racked up a lot of wins here, including the German’s first ever victory with the Scuderia, when he was majestic in atrociously wet conditions in 1996.

The Schumacher-Ferrari combination also triumphed in 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004. In 2007, victory went to Felipe Massa. On that day, Fernando Alonso got away well in the McLaren, with the Spaniard trying to pass the Brazilian at the first corner.

However, Felipe never lifted off, the F2007 and the McLaren collided and Alonso ended up in the run-off area. The following year, victory went to Kimi Raikkonen, with Massa completing a one-two for the Scuderia.

In its time, the Spanish GP has also been held at the Montjuich street circuit, again in Barcelona. Tragedy struck here in 1975, when five people were killed by Rolf Stommelen in the Hill.

The race was also notable as it is, to date, the only time a woman driver has finished in the points, that honour going to the Italian Lella Lombardi, who was sixth in the March.

http://grandprix247.com/2014/05/05/spain-has-been-a-happy-hunting-ground-for-ferrari-over-the-years/

[Rob]

A home race for Fernando Alonso
http://i57.tinypic.com/hv5h6a.jpg
Maranello, 5 May – Sunday sees the 44th Spanish Grand Prix take place at the Catalunya circuit and for Scuderia Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso it’s his home race. A year ago he triumphed here after a winning drive, that was partly down to a very on-form F138, which also helped Felipe Massa make it to the third step of the podium.

Since the Spanish Grand Prix was first held in 1951 at Pedralbes, Barcelona, Ferrari has won the race 12 times, which is a 28% hit rate. The first victory came here in 1954, courtesy of Mike Hawthorn. When the race returned to the calendar in 1968, it was held at Jarama on the outskirts of Madrid. Here in 1974, Ferrari won thanks to Niki Lauda who, at the wheel of a 312 B3-74 also took pole position and the race fastest lap.

The last time the Spanish GP was held at Jarama, it produced one of Gilles Villeneuve’s greatest performances. At the wheel of a 126 CK, he drove an incredible race, holding up a whole train of cars that were faster than his in the corners, but not on the straights, where the Ferrari managed to hold its own. In the Ligier, Jaques Laffite pulled alongside him several times through the turns, but on the straights, Villeneuve managed to keep ahead of the Frenchman. The race result paints an accurate picture of the race, as the top five all finished within 1.240 seconds.

In 1986, the Spanish Grand Prix made Jerez de la Frontera its home. Ferrari put its name on the winner’s trophy in 1990, with Alain Prost first past the flag, which opened up the title fight again with Ayrton Senna, who had to retire his McLaren.

The Grand Prix’s current home is the Catalunya circuit, at Montmelo, on the outskirts of Barcelona. Ferrari and Michael Schumacher racked up a lot of wins here, including the German’s first ever victory with the Scuderia, when he was majestic in atrociously wet conditions in 1996.

The Schumacher-Ferrari combination also triumphed in 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004. In 2007, victory went to Felipe Massa. On that day, Fernando Alonso got away well in the McLaren, with the Spaniard trying to pass the Brazilian at the first corner. However, Felipe never lifted off, the F2007 and the McLaren collided and Alonso ended up in the run-off area. The following year, victory went to Kimi Raikkonen, with Massa completing a one-two for the Scuderia.

In its time, the Spanish GP has also been held at the Montjuich street circuit, again in Barcelona. Tragedy struck here in 1975, when five people were killed by Rolf Stommelen in the Hill. The race was also notable as it is, to date, the only time a woman driver has finished in the points, that honour going to the Italian Lella Lombardi, who was sixth in the March.

- See more at: http://formula1.ferrari.com/news/home-race-fernando-alonso#sthash.1ZipfS8Z.dpuf

[Rob]

:rotfl

just realised they same.

[Nero Horse]

:rotfl

just realised they same.

"There is no harm in repeating a good thing." - Plato

;-)

[wisepie]

I'll be watching Spanish GP in Italy, and I hope and pray that I'll have something worth celebrating afterwards. Otherwise, I might shoot myself. Thanks , Rob, for reminding us of what we've achieved there in the past!

[Sanomas]

:rotfl

just realised they same.

Yeah...it's happen, kind of Deja Vu of the day!


Well...we've won the Spanish Grand Prix last year, TBH I don't have much hope for this year but I really hope we'll see Fernando in podium...

[Nero Horse]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYpDMeAAmlA

[alonsonum1]

I leave wednesday to go to the spanish gp from the uk am so excited .... forza ferrari ... hopin for a home win!!!

[fratelliferrari]

I leave wednesday to go to the spanish gp from the uk am so excited .... forza ferrari ... hopin for a home win!!!

Enjoy your trip :thumb

[Hornet]

I leave wednesday to go to the spanish gp from the uk am so excited .... forza ferrari ... hopin for a home win!!!

Have a great weekend there :ferrarifl

[Nero Horse]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w0aLxt05e4k

[AfterLife]

I leave wednesday to go to the spanish gp from the uk am so excited .... forza ferrari ... hopin for a home win!!!

Well done. Hopefully you can bring 2 or 3 tenths advantage to our car ;-)

[7mi]

No pictures from the track yet?

[stefa]

No pictures from the track yet?

Track is usually open for spectators/reporters from Thursday.... If I am not wrong...

[Senna4Ever]

I'm so exited to see what had happened the last 3 weeks in the factories ... Mainly (but not only) on our side, also others especially where we know that they have a strong development during year (RBs to name it).
I not blue eyed to believe everything is different but it will be interesting to see who did what ... in which direction ...

so - to use phrase of The Doors - let it roll, baby, roll ...

P.S. ... next weekend is mother's day in Austria ... :oops

[Kiwi Nick]

I am blue-eyed and I am hoping that Ferrari have made great improvements!

[Schumyboy83]

I leave Friday morning from the UK, Second time to Spanish GP, Was there last year and witnessed the win, Forza Ferrari

[Sanomas]

@alonsonum1 and Schumyboy83

That's fantastic...I wish I was able to go too...

On the news, James Allison told that Kimi will improve in time...I really hope that Kimi back for good and start to win again!

[Alonso14]

@alonsonum1 and Schumyboy83
On the news, James Allison told that Kimi will improve in time...I really hope that Kimi back for good and start to win again!

He did say that but I think the context was quite important. He was saying something like "So far we havent given our top drivers a car to match their talents so we have to say thank you to Fernando for maximizing every point, etc." But he can't really say Great Fernando and ignore Kimi so he was like "We also have to say "thank you" to Kimi and some generic comments." :D


I leave Friday morning from the UK, Second time to Spanish GP, Was there last year and witnessed the win, Forza Ferrari

Hopefully you are Ferrari's lucky charm. Forza Ferrari

[Sanomas]

He did say that but I think the context was quite important. He was saying something like "So far we have given our top drivers a car to match their talents so we have to say thank you to Fernando for maximizing every point, etc." But he can't really say Great Fernando and ignore Kimi so he was like "We also have to say "thank you" to Kimi and some generic comments." :D


I totally agreed...beside of what you say, I think it's not about the car only, Kimi need to time to fit in. I'm really happy to see him again in red, but I expect his performance get better in next races...Kimi is one of best drivers in now and he is IN one of best teams, so he should do better job, just give him (and team) some time and we'll see!

[Nero Horse]

A very interesting video about the intense training that the men in our pit crew have to go through to be that good as they are...


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ur_aw9jkHyQ

[gjoko-mkd]

Ferrari`s new pit stop equipment

http://pbs.twimg.com/media/BnBwY9MIEAA6wt4.jpg

[Schumyboy83]

I hope so, Was in Spain last year and we won, Was in Silverstone 11 we won, 3rd time lucky... :-)

[AfterLife]

I hope so, Was in Spain last year and we won, Was in Silverstone 11 we won, 3rd time lucky... :-)

I don't know about the luck, but we have Fernando Alonso who makes impossible things possible.

[paneristi]

I wonder if the following link gives accurate prediction to our development? http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/113807

[Honzus]

Our pitstops are almost perfect, new equipment should help us to keep this advantage.....

[fratelliferrari]

A very interesting video about the intense training that the men in our pit crew have to go through to be that good as they are...


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ur_aw9jkHyQ

I really enjoy these kind of videos! Didn't expect they did 3 days a week of physical training! Very useful video :thumb

[tifosi1993]

http://www.formula1.com/wi/enlarge/0x0/popup/sutton/2013/dms1408my10.jpg

http://www.formula1.com/wi/enlarge/0x0/popup/sutton/2013/dms1408my11.jpg

[Rishu]

Never seen these before. Let's hope they bring our pit stop time under 2s :lol

[vcs316]

Looks like HUGE lego pieces!

[stefa]

Nice looking. Will it make car faster... at least in pit stop, yes, on track.....

[PadGeT]

I never saw Ferrari pushing so hard on every aspects of race track performance. Beware Mateschitz, Wolff and all dos Skyf1 pundits, you are gonna be sorry u woke up the sleeping giant!!

[stefa]

I never saw Ferrari pushing so hard on every aspects of race track performance. Beware Mateschitz, Wolff and all dos Skyf1 pundits, you are gonna be sorry u woke up the sleeping giant!!

hmmm.... Let's first jump and than say hop.

[PadGeT]

We already make other teams hop to our demands in terms of prize money and revenues, political demands, technical meetings and whatnot.. wont be too long wen this translates to dominance on track.

[Senna4Ever]

Looks like HUGE lego pieces!

or some extra or requisites from the movie The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy
whatever they'll supposed to do ... may the force be with it :-)

[Kyss4k]

http://www.formula1.com/wi/enlarge/0x0/popup/sutton/2013/dms1408my11.jpg

Good... Now do something with the car! :furious

[Sanomas]

[IMG]http://www.formula1.com/wi/enlarge/0x0/popup/sutton/2013/dms1408my11.jpg[IMG]

Oh my god! It's huge!

[ALO]

Transformers

[Hornet]

Wonder why it has to be that huge.

[Sanomas]

Wonder why it has to be that huge.

To scare the other teams?!

[AfterLife]

http://www.formula1.com/wi/enlarge/0x0/popup/sutton/2013/dms1408my11.jpg

Our pit crew will do barfix at their spare time according to some guy that has some insight in Maranello.

[stefa]

Good... Now do something with the car! :furious

Well said! :lol

[Kiwi Nick]

It is beyond laughable that Ferrari had time to design and build this piece of pit art, rather than fix the car.

[FerrariF60]

It is beyond laughable that Ferrari had time to design and build this piece of pit art, rather than fix the car.

maybe they did both....only time will tell; we'll find out soon i guess during free practice, and more importantly Quali how good we did our homework over the THREE weeks we had in between races

[stefa]

maybe they did both....only time will tell; we'll find out soon i guess during free practice, and more importantly Quali how good we did our homework over the THREE weeks we had in between races

Hopefully, as you said, they didn't just spend those 3 weeks on designing this.... whatever... that holds air hoses.

[Red is Best]

Another podium “would be unbelievable” – Alonso

Fernando Alonso says Ferrari need luck to finish on the podium again this weekend as they did in China.

“We cannot start the weekend thinking to be on the podium, thinking to win the race,” he said in today’s press conference, “that will be creating wrong and false targets to everyone that will come here”.

“We finished ninth and tenth in Bahrain, we did podium in China because we had some things put in together in that Sunday but it’s not that we are in a position now to say we will fight for the podium here.

“We will do our best but we know that it’s going to be a tough weekend, not going to be easy. But you never know, this is sport and anything can happen. But today, sitting here, if I tell you that I will fight for the podium, probably I will lie to you and I don’t want to do so for all the people coming.”

Alonso said his third place finish in China was partly the product of good fortune. “I think the car is always what it is,” he said, “the car never changes.”

“The driver also, sometimes you have better luck, sometimes you have worse luck.

“In China for example I have a crash at the start and nothing happened to my car, I could finish the race. I think the Red Bulls they were fighting a little bit, they lost a little bit of time, and I could be there. My pit stops were very quick, in the first stop I overtook Sebastian in that lap, so there were many factors together that put us in a podium.

“But we need to do very special weekends to be on the podium and China was one of those. Lucky and some other factors. So arriving here sitting on Thursday in the next press conference to repeat that podium would be unbelievable. It’s not at the moment our main target.”

http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2014/05/08/another-podium-finish-unbelievable-alonso/

Alonso doesn't sound very confident to say the least...

[stefa]

Another podium “would be unbelievable” – Alonso

Fernando Alonso says Ferrari need luck to finish on the podium again this weekend as they did in China.

“We cannot start the weekend thinking to be on the podium, thinking to win the race,” he said in today’s press conference, “that will be creating wrong and false targets to everyone that will come here”.

“We finished ninth and tenth in Bahrain, we did podium in China because we had some things put in together in that Sunday but it’s not that we are in a position now to say we will fight for the podium here.

“We will do our best but we know that it’s going to be a tough weekend, not going to be easy. But you never know, this is sport and anything can happen. But today, sitting here, if I tell you that I will fight for the podium, probably I will lie to you and I don’t want to do so for all the people coming.”

Alonso said his third place finish in China was partly the product of good fortune. “I think the car is always what it is,” he said, “the car never changes.”

“The driver also, sometimes you have better luck, sometimes you have worse luck.

“In China for example I have a crash at the start and nothing happened to my car, I could finish the race. I think the Red Bulls they were fighting a little bit, they lost a little bit of time, and I could be there. My pit stops were very quick, in the first stop I overtook Sebastian in that lap, so there were many factors together that put us in a podium.

“But we need to do very special weekends to be on the podium and China was one of those. Lucky and some other factors. So arriving here sitting on Thursday in the next press conference to repeat that podium would be unbelievable. It’s not at the moment our main target.”

http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2014/05/08/another-podium-finish-unbelievable-alonso/

Alonso doesn't sound very confident to say the least...

I am not into false high hopes, but FA doesn't sound really optimistic....

[RedRebel40]

There are rumours of Alonso signing for Mercedes to replace Rosberg.

[Kiwi Nick]

There are rumours of Alonso signing for Mercedes to replace Rosberg.

Is it true that Nando has not met with Mattiacci?

[Silent Bob]

that'll be too bad. He'll leave just as Ferrari gets its act together.

[GrndLkNatv]

Great video!!
My buddy Filippo at 29 seconds, Beppe at 45 seconds, Falconi at 48 seconds, Di Musciano at 56 seconds.. Dentella in the background at the same time.. Oliva at 1:23, Dentella at 1:47 again.

I really enjoy these kind of videos! Didn't expect they did 3 days a week of physical training! Very useful video :thumb

[GrndLkNatv]

Is it true that Nando has not met with Mattiacci?
Alonso isn't stupid, he's part of the reason the changes in management and everything else came down. He'll be here again next year..

[evo_spook]

Alonso isn't stupid, he's part of the reason the changes in management and everything else came down. He'll be here again next year..

Your right, he's not daft that's why it might be true.

The one thing Alonso wants is a car capable of winning a WDC in, if merc offered that to him he'd jump at it.

I can't see them getting rid of Rosberg though

[Sanomas]

I think that Alonso not going anywhere untill become a world champion with Ferrari...it's true he may have more chance with Mercedes to become champion, but a championship with Ferrari is more special.

[Kiwi Nick]

Alonso isn't stupid, he's part of the reason the changes in management and everything else came down. He'll be here again next year..

Side note: Did that light plane land on your roof? I hope not!

[paneristi]

the situation kind of reminded me of the 'early rise' when the whole team was being a bit secretive and humble. Back then, nobody said "we make huge changes etc etc". A little different from SD's era. I hope FA was being humble and the past 3 weeks have been fruitful for us.

[Nero Horse]

Kimi Raikkonen says he is keen to learn if Ferrari has improved the F14-T after struggling in the Chinese Grand Prix.

Although team-mate Fernando Alonso finished third, taking Ferrari's first podium finish of the year, Raikkonen was off the pace in China as he came home eighth. Attributing the struggles to his driving style, Raikkonen said it means he was unable to gauge if the team had made progress and is eager to do so this weekend in Spain.

"I think there was a lot of small things that influenced what happened [in China]," Raikkonen said. "I think we could have understood the things much better if we done something in first practice, but then it was wet, so it was not possible to learn whether we had improved because of that. It's an excuse but that's how it went and we know what happened.

"Part of the issue was tyre temperature, but it's the same tyre for everybody so we need to get more knowledge and understand things better. It's difficult to know what to do but in future I hope we can be better and react to those things quicker. Some races it is a help for you, some it is against for you, so it's not just that one thing."

With the Spanish Grand Prix a race in which Raikkonen finished second behind Alonso last season, he admits a strong result would be welcome but says it would have no bearing on how the rest of this year pans out.

"It would be nice to get a good result here as that always makes life easier, but getting a good result here rather than at any other circuit is not going to change the year completely. If we get the car running the way we like then we can get the results we want. The important thing is to have a clean weekend.

"Obviously we do the best we can with the car. Every race we look at everything, even if it is a small thing, and whether it can make a difference on how we are doing. The fact is that when you are behind it is hard to catch because the others will not stop working, they keep pushing. We will keep working and trying to improve."

http://www.crash.net/f1/news/204170/1/raikkonen-keen-to-learn-if-ferrari-has-improved.html

[Kiwi Nick]

Is it just me, or is Kimi sounding especially level headed?

[Alonsomaniac]

There are rumours of Alonso signing for Mercedes to replace Rosberg.

Pffffffh......how many times must he say he wants a Ferrari-drivers-championship on his list before he retires? And that Ferrari is where he feels at home? And that he will stay till his retirement?

[evo_spook]

And that Ferrari is where he feels at home? And that he will stay till his retirement?

I think he said that about his previous 2 teams aswell. Alonso biggest desire is to have a car to win the WDC with, its as simple as that.

[Stebandelareina]

It's very good have the driver that every team wants. I don't see any team trying to get Vettel. Mclaren wants Alonso, Merc wants Alonso, Lotus wants Alonso, and RB said last year that if Vettel sign with us, they'll go for Alonso...

And seems that this guy still want to be red...

[Winter]

It's very good have the driver that every team wants. I don't see any team trying to get Vettel. Mclaren wants Alonso, Merc wants Alonso, Lotus wants Alonso, and RB said last year that if Vettel sign with us, they'll go for Alonso...

And seems that this guy still want to be red...


The fact that RedBull has been the best car around might have something to do with other teams lack of interest towards Vettel. They just knew that they cant have him..

I agree that most teams want Alonso though.

[Kiwi Nick]

Pffffffh......how many times must he say he wants a Ferrari-drivers-championship on his list before he retires? And that Ferrari is where he feels at home? And that he will stay till his retirement?

Of course this begs the question, Is Alonso prepared to stay at Ferrari, where he feels at home and wants to retire, even if it means not winning another title?

[stefa]

I think he said that about his previous 2 teams aswell. Alonso biggest desire is to have a car to win the WDC with, its as simple as that.

Isn't that all top level driver desire?

[PadGeT]

RB said last year that if Vettel sign with us, they'll go for Alonso...

And seems that this guy still want to be red...
:-!
No de didn't . RB will never take Alonso, as much as Alonso wishes it to be. :lol

[Hornet]

:-!
No de didn't . RB will never take Alonso, as much as Alonso wishes it to be. :lol

Any team will take Alonso given the chance, whether you wishes it to be or not :-)

[PadGeT]

No sir!! RB is above it.
Also plz give proof RB wanted Alonso .

[Rishu]

No sir!! RB is above it.
Also plz give proof RB wanted Alonso .

First you give proof to others when you say "RB will never take Alonso, as much as Alonso wishes it to be"

[Hornet]

No sir!! RB is above it.
Also plz give proof RB wanted Alonso .

Above what? Alonso have shown many times that he's the most complete driver out there, and when all things are equal, he's the driver you'd want on your side. And it's every team's objective to hire the best talent they can get.

There's a reason why Martin Whitmarsh himself said any teams given the opportunity, would love to sign him.

[PadGeT]

First you give proof to others when you say "RB will never take Alonso, as much as Alonso wishes it to be"
Go and check Horners interview wen he said dat some driver(or driver managemnt) approached him for a drive next season, which he was shocked to see.
In fact they wanted KIMI.

[Rishu]

Go and check Horners interview wen he said dat some driver(or driver managemnt) approached him for a drive next season, which he was shocked to see.
In fact they wanted KIMI.

So did he mention Alonso in the list of 5? Answer: NO

Funny you are Mr. Alonso hater

[PadGeT]

Above what? Alonso have shown many times that he's the most complete driver out there, and when all things are equal, he's the driver you'd want on your side. And it's every team's objective to hire the best talent they can get.

There's a reason why Martin Whitmarsh himself said any teams given the opportunity, would love to sign him.

People views differ. RB is aubequitous name, de dont want any1 stealin their limelight like Alonso would in Spain, de want to develop their own driver, they want to spoonfeed them on how they present themselves and aid the RB brand. They will never go for a character like Alonso.

[PadGeT]

So did he mention Alonso in the list of 5? Answer: NO

Funny you are Mr. Alonso hater

yes, u got my point, and its funny u are running away from it.

[Rishu]

yes, u got my point, and its funny u are running away from it.

Good for you & I ain't running anywhere. right here to take on your wild untruthful imaginative stories based on hatred for one of our drivers.

[PadGeT]

Again u r running away from my point. :lol

[Rishu]

Troll :rotfl

[PadGeT]

Stop abusing people. Its childish of u to do so. Besides, if you don't get my point, stop trying to make yourself look as if u have come out of an argument as da winner.

[PadGeT]

:rotfl
Let me join in wid u on dis one. Looks harmless enough.

[Kiwi Nick]

:rotfl
Let me join in wid u on dis one. Looks harmless enough.

Is English your native language?

[PadGeT]

Is English your native language?

Nope.

[Muhammad Ansib]

No sir!! RB is above it.
Also plz give proof RB wanted Alonso .

http://www.wheels24.co.za/FormulaOne/Red-Bull-eyeing-Alonso-Hamilton-20121126

[PadGeT]

http://www.wheels24.co.za/FormulaOne/Red-Bull-eyeing-Alonso-Hamilton-20121126

Thanks for the link. I hope Mateschitz stays true to his words when and if Vettel leaves RB.

[Muhammad Ansib]

Thanks for the link. I hope Mateschitz stays true to his words when and if Vettel leaves RB.

ahahah I don't want Alonso or Kimi to leave ferrari ..its the best pairing, I just want and Pray that Alonso wins another title with Ferrari, just imagining this ALonso winning a title with Ferrari ..uffff.. Top Driver and Top team

[Rob]

Spanish GP – Pat Fry: “Split workload”
http://i57.tinypic.com/2nk2oab.jpg
Pat Fry: “Today we had a particularly packed programme and despite the very poor track conditions complicating our task, mainly in the first session, we managed to get through it without any glitches. We tried various aero solutions in the morning and did a comparison between the two Pirelli compounds this afternoon. We have suffered with poor grip especially on the Hard tyres and this made controlling the car more difficult, but that was the case for most of the teams. The data gathered from the work we split between the two cars will be extremely useful to understand in which areas we can improve and, even if our rivals proved to be very strong, we will do our utmost to be as well prepared as possible for qualifying and the race.”

- See more at: http://formula1.ferrari.com/news/spanish-gp-pat-fry-split-workload#sthash.iRnlT6CO.dpuf

Kimi Raikkonen: “Set-up testing”
http://i62.tinypic.com/293emvs.jpg
Kimi Raikkonen: “We had a particularly busy time on track today, trying to do as many laps as possible to complete the planned programme over the two free practice sessions. In the morning, we tried various set-ups, alternating between two different rear wings, while in the second session, we concentrated on preparing for qualifying and the race and on analysing the behaviour of the two compounds Pirelli has brought here. This evening, we will carefully analyse all the data gathered, to decide which direction to go in.”

- See more at: http://formula1.ferrari.com/news/spanish-gp-kimi-raikkonen-set-up-testing#sthash.Q1wRAg3s.dpuf

Fernando Alonso: “A combination of factors”
http://i62.tinypic.com/10ydmiw.jpg
Fernando Alonso: “There wasn’t much grip on track today and in general, we struggled a bit more, which was down to a series of factors, including the track being less rubbered-in than usual. On top of that, we have less aerodynamic downforce than in the past and also in my opinion, the tyre choice here is too conservative for this track. Now we face a lot of work to try and optimise the balance of the car and get the most out of it, even if the circumstances are not that favourable to us. We must be cleverer than the others in terms of making the changes we need and adapting to them in time for qualifying.”

- See more at: http://formula1.ferrari.com/news/spanish-gp-fernando-alonso-a-combination-factors#sthash.15xP4uLd.dpuf

[Rob]

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[Rob]

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[Rob]

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[Senna4Ever]

@Rob ... thanks for the pics ...

[vcs316]

Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo has vowed to give Fernando Alonso a stronger car and is confident his star driver will remain at the team in the future.

Ferrari has made a slow start to the season under the new regulations and team principal Stefano Domenicali resigned after just three races. Montezemolo is not happy with the team's performances so far but says Alonso will eventually be rewarded with a car capable of winning championships.

"For me it is not a problem of the drivers, for me it is a problem of the team," he said. "I'm not happy for the team, I'm not happy because we want to win, I'm not happy because we've lost an opportunity in recent years and this is why we have to push all together, starting with Fernando.

"I'm sure that when Ferrari is happy and has a competitive car, he will be super happy because he gives 100% or even something more to the team and I share his frustrations sometimes. I'm sorry because at least one of the two championships [in 2010 and 2012] were possible to win even for him. But for me the problem is to have a competitive team and not to follow the problems of the drivers, even if I totally agree with him that a driver like him needs a competitive car. This is our main goal, to give him a better car for him and for the team."

Raikkonen returned to Ferrari over the winter but has struggled more than Alonso this year. However, Montezemolo has no doubt that the Finn will turn his fortunes around.

"Kimi I think has improved step-by-step until today and I hope he can do good tomorrow, although tomorrow I don't expect a lot. I know Kimi very well, he is a fantastic driver who does not feel comfortable with the car but is improving. I spoke a lot with him today and he is more pleased with the car and I think he will be even more pleased in the near future. He's strong and I like him very much."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

[vcs316]

Montezemolo surprised by Ferrari's poor start to the F1 season

Luca di Montezemolo said he never expected his team to be so slow at the start of the Formula 1 season.

Speaking during an appearance at the Spanish Grand Prix, his first race since a change of team boss prompted by Stefano Domenicali's resignation, di Montezemolo made it clear how disappointed he was with the early 2014 form.

"It has to be clear that I am not happy with where Ferrari is. Not at all," he said.

"I did not expect a team so less competitive compared to my expectations at the beginning of the season."

But despite his downbeat assessment of Ferrari's early showings, di Montezemolo had faith that new boss Marco Mattiacci was the right man to lead it back to glory.

"I am sure Ferrari has all the capabilities, and all the opportunities, to come back," he said.

"For me it is also important to be closer to the team as in the past, to understand better. I am sure Mattiacci will do a good job, even though he has just arrived.

"But I don't believe in a one-man show, I believe in a good group and we are working very well at the moment to try to improve the situation.

"I expect an improvement in the car in Canada, but I know from the meetings that I have had in the last few days, I also think without any revolution it is important to improve the organisation, and improve the relationship with the suppliers.

"We want to be a team of fighters with determination, no panic. But calm and work knowing what we have to do."

MATTIACCI ONLY CHOICE

Despite rumours in recent weeks suggesting that Ross Brawn could be a contender for a place at the team, di Montezemolo made it clear that he only ever considered Mattiacci to be team boss.

"The situation is that I spoke only to Stefano Domenicali on the Monday [after Bahrain] who said he wanted to resign, and I said: 'listen, wait for three more days because it is better if you think on this'.

"Stefano is a fantastic person, very loyal, very professional and very good. But unfortunately in sport, as in life, results are important and he made a very responsible decision.

"On the Thursday he told me, 'no I am sorry, I think this is a good decision'. So immediately I look inside the company.

"We are not only a team, we are a company, and inside the company we have very good people.

"And I think Marco, for his characteristics, what he has done in the past in Tokyo, in China, in America, he has the capability to manage people. No other alternative.

"To be honest I took the decision, and I didn't even have time to think of anybody else as I didn't want to leave an open position.

"And 99 per cent of the time I am happy when I can to help grow up people inside the company, so there were no other alternatives."

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/113860?

[Alonsomaniac]

Of course this begs the question, Is Alonso prepared to stay at Ferrari, where he feels at home and wants to retire, even if it means not winning another title?


Reality is, he doesn't have much choice. He already has two F1 championships. He considers a title with Ferrari to be something extra, something higher then just another title. So he will stay to achieve that higher goal. There is a possibility that he will never get that title. He knows that ofcourse, but what can he do?
If he leaves for another team, he has no guarantee of winning either. But in the worst case, if he left and Ferrari builds a winning car a year later, he would never forgive himself.
Fernando Alonso is in a position that he can't leave, even if he had the opportunity. Because what he really wants deep inside, is that title in red.

[Senna4Ever]

Fernando Alonso: “This wasn’t a good qualifying session, but the outcome was more or less what we could have expected on a difficult weekend, especially in terms of grip, not just for us but for all the teams. I’d definitely have liked to be starting from further up, but that’s how it went today, we weren’t quick enough and now we must think about tomorrow and try to make up some places to score as many points as possible. Of the updates we brought here, some worked, while others need further testing. There is a definite improvement compared to China, but we have some problems with the rear, despite the many set-up changes we made. Kimi did very well and I hope that both Ferraris can finish higher up. Now we must find the best strategy for tomorrow and try to get a good start. But above all, we mustn’t make any mistakes, because this race demands a high level of concentration.”

http://formula1.ferrari.com/news/spanish-gp-fernando-alonso-maximum-concentration




Kimi Raikkonen: “We can’t be pleased with sixth place, because naturally we want to be fighting for the top places. But compared to the last race, we have managed to solve some problems and have improved the feeling I have from the car. Yesterday, the long run went well and, in general, we did a good job, but there is still much more to do, because we are not yet as fast as we would like to be. Tomorrow, the goal is to get a good start and then have a normal race. Of course, we will also need a good strategy and we will have to keep an eye on our tyre management. It won’t be easy, but we are definitely going to fight.”

http://formula1.ferrari.com/news/spanish-gp-kimi-raikkonen-a-feeling






Pat Fry: “Today’s qualifying session was difficult for everyone. The track conditions had not improved much since yesterday and it was very difficult to put together a clean lap. We continued to work on the balance of both cars as we tried to increase the grip, but it was not enough to obtain better grid positions for Fernando and Kimi. As always here in Barcelona, it will be important to get a good understanding of the tyre degradation, because this track provides a real challenge for the two tyre compounds in terms of performance and wear. Overall, we have made a few small steps forward on improving the stability of the F14 T, both under braking and on turn-in to the corners, as well as on power delivery, so as to give the drivers more confidence in the car. But there is still lots of work to do to improve the efficiency of the car, especially on the aerodynamic front. Tomorrow’s race will be difficult, but we can count on having a pair of amazing drivers who will be trying to make up a few places.”

http://formula1.ferrari.com/news/spanish-gp-pat-fry-a-difficult-saturday