Ferrari Team Principal Stefano Domenicali is returning to the team factory in Maranello between this week’s back-to-back Asian races of Japan and Korea. This follows the result of Suzuka, when Fernando Alonso retired at the first corner as winner Sebastian Vettel reduced the championship-leading margin to four points.
As has been the case between the season-opening Australian and Malaysian Grands Prix in the past, Domenicali’s schedule is now packed with long-haul flights as he travels continuously between continents in a bid to ensure that Ferrari wins its first Drivers’ World Championship since Kimi Räikkönen did the honours in 2007.
“Personally, I don’t believe in luck but, given what’s happened these last couple of days…I’m considering changing my mind,” Domenicali said in Japan on Sunday. “The gods that didn’t shine on us yesterday definitely took a shot at us again today! What happened to Fernando at the start is an example of the many variables that you cannot control in this sport and we have to accept it, but clearly all of us are very disappointed at the moment.
“That sense of regret actually increases when you consider what a splendid race Felipe (Massa) had, producing a truly impeccable performance. It was nice to see him back on the podium after a long time - too long a time! This second place is a very important result for him and for the team and it comes at one of the most difficult and delicate moments of the season. Decisions regarding his future? One step at a time, as now we are enjoying this lovely podium together.”
Alonso continues to stress that the Ferrari’s raw speed must improve if he is to have any decent shot at the title, with a quarter of the campaign still to run.
“Fernando’s comments on our development?” Domenicali continued. “I can very well understand his frustration at the moment and you can be sure that we are doing our utmost to give him a car that matches his talent.”
In the constructors’ title race, Ferrari remains third and is now 20 points behind McLaren, but 61 in arrears of leaders Red Bull.
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| Pos. | Driver | Team | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. |  S. Vettel | Red Bull | 1:28:56.242 |
| 2. | F. Massa | Ferrari | +20.639 |
| 3. | K. Kobayashi | Sauber | +24.538 |
| 4. | J. Button | McLaren | +25.098 |
| 5. | L. Hamilton | McLaren | +46.490 |
| 6. | K. Raikkonen | Lotus | +50.424 |
| 7. | N. Hulkenberg | Force India | +51.159 |
| 8. | P. Maldonado | Williams | +52.364 |
| 9. | M. Webber | Red Bull | +54.675 |
| 10. | D. Ricciardo | Toro Rosso | +1:06.919 |
| Full results | |||
| Fernando Alonso | |||
|---|---|---|---|
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| More Fernando Alonso photos | |||
| Felipe Massa | |||
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| More Felipe Massa photos | |||
| Stefano Domenicali | |||
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| More Stefano Domenicali photos | |||
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