Red Hot Alonso Keeps Daily Tabs on F1 Progress
December 30th, 2009
Ferrari sporting director Stefano Domenicali says the arrival of the Spanish driver Fernando Alonso to Ferrari has boosted the whole team.
In an interview with Italian newspaper La Stampa published today, Domenicali has said that Alonso, who visited Ferrari’s headquarters twice in the last month, “calls every day to check whether the car is meeting performance expectations during simulations.”
Regarding the health status of Ferrari’s other driver, Brazilian Felipe Massa, who was hurt after a serious accident during the second qualifying round of the Hungarian Grand Prix, Domenicali said that recent medical checks have been positive. “In late January he will have to undergo follow-up visits with doctors of the F1 Federation” he added.
When asked about the return to competition of seven-time Formula One champion and former Ferrari driver Michael Schumacher, Domenicali said this it was a decision that “will increase the interest in the championship, will attract new audiences and increase driver’s performances.” He was also “surprised” by the letters received from some Ferrari fans who claimed they were “disappointed” by the German pilot’s decision to race with Mercedes, although he is “convinced” that “true Ferrari fans” will always be grateful to Schumacher and recognize his achievements when they contest the Grand Prix of Italy.
Domenicali also spoke briefly on the outcome of the Formula One world title next year and would only say that Ferrari were on a similar level to both McLaren Mercedes and Red Bull.
