Downcast Alonso says Ferrari is too slow
Updated: 2011-09-11 07:47
(China Daily)
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Ferrari's Spanish driver Fernando Alonso sits in the pits at the Autodromo Nazionale circuit on Friday in Monza during the second practice session of the Formula One Italian Grand Prix. [Photo/Agencies] |
MONZA, Italy - Barely 48 hours after his team chief told the world that Ferrari is set to dominate again, Fernando Alonso on Friday conceded he was too slow to compete in this weekend's Italian Grand Prix.
While Sebastian Vettel was reluctant to talk of his impending second coronation as champion, despite clocking the fastest time for Red Bull in Friday's second free practice session, Alonso was accepting that second is his realistic target.
Alonso was seventh and fifth in Friday's two sessions, but did not register a performance that worried the leading drivers from the Red Bull, McLaren and Mercedes teams on a disappointing day.
Alonso, who won last year's race, said: "From a technical point of view, today was just a Friday like any other - we worked a lot on comparing different aerodynamic solutions as well as on evaluating different set up choices on the car.
"And now we must put everything together and try and make the right choices.
"But, honestly, I think we lack a bit of performance compared to the best, even if there are still the same unknowns relating to Fridays - especially those linked to fuel loads.
"Hoever, we have to be realistic - the car is more or less the one we had in Spa, apart from specific updates to cope with the fact this track requires low aerodynamic down-force.
"Sure, it would be nice to repeat last year's performance, but we know that will be very difficult. You can't create a miracle in two weeks, but we will do our utmost to give the fans something to cheer about."
He added: "What is my motivation like for this final part of the season? I am a very competitive person and I don't like losing.
"It's true, this year that's happened quite often, but there are still targets that are within our grasp.
"For example, second place in the drivers' championship - Webber is not that far ahead."
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