"Ferrari have had a difficult season. They didn't quite nail the change in the technical rules and the car has lacked that little bit of pace to give them the edge they usually have.

"Ferrari were also affected badly by Felipe Massa's accident in Hungary. His replacement Luca Badoer clearly had problems with a difficult and complicated car, and that was endorsed by Giancarlo Fisichella when he was brought in after his fellow Italian's struggles.

"Fisichella is a race-winner, and I have felt a bit sorry for him - he just seemed not at all at ease with understanding the car and its complexity, including the Kers power-boost system.

"The Ferrari car is probably the most complicated on the grid, and I think that is a handicap. A team should make its cars as easy to drive and uncomplicated as possible. It gives the driver much more freedom to do what he needs to do in the races.

"That goes some way to showing what a great job Kimi Raikkonen has been doing, despite some people believing his mind is not totally on it.

"I criticised him early in the season, but now I find the fact that he is being replaced next year a surprise, given that we don't know whether Massa will be back to normal after his accident.

"The arrival of Fernando Alonso will be one of the most fascinating aspects of next season.

"Massa is clearly the favourite at Ferrari - they obviously preferred him to Raikkonen. But there is history between Alonso and Massa. Alonso needs to have things very much his won way, as we saw at McLaren in 2007, so it will be an intriguing situation.

"On the other hand, if you wanted a driver who was going to be mega-reliable and score points whenever he can then it is Alonso and it is quite a coup for Ferrari to get him."

Can you explain your team's philosophy in three words?

Five: Racing is in our DNA.

Why do Ferrari race?

Because, as I said, racing is part of our DNA, since the beginning of our history. Racing is mainly our promotional tool - we do not do any kind of advertising - and our living R&D department for our road cars.

What is special about Ferrari?

Ferrari is a myth, all over the world. When you see a Ferrari in a road, you turn your head to follow her. When you see the Ferrari flags in the stands on the other side of the world you understand the passion that this brand generates.

FERRARI FACTS AND STATS Drivers: Kimi Raikkonen Felipe Massa Nationality: Italian Headquarters Maranello (Italy) Debut season 1950 Test drivers: Luca Badoer and Marc Gene Team principal: Stefano Domenicali Technical director: Aldo Costa Engine: Ferrari V8 Total Grand Prix wins: 210 2008 position: 1st Constructors' titles: 16

What is the team's status in Formula One?

We are the most successful team in the history of the sport and we want to keep the position.

What is the team's image?

You should tell me…

Why should people support Ferrari?

I would not say "should": people do support Ferrari because of the passion which comes from its history, its brand, its style.

If your team were an animal what would it be?

A prancing horse!!

What does a team boss do?

Helps the team to have the best resources to compete, chooses the right people for the right places, protect the team.

What is the most difficult thing about being a team boss?

Dealing with the inside and outside pressure.

Are you worried about the future of F1?

Helps the team to have the best resources to compete, chooses the right people for the right places, protect the team.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version