Alonso: “Ferrari stronger than any individual”

In slightly cooler weather than one is used to in the Tropics, Fernando Alonso met the press in Singapore for the first time this evening. For journalists, the main topic of interest was the ban on certain radio communications starting this weekend.

“I honestly don't think it will make a big difference” – began the Scuderia Ferrari driver – “I don't think it will have a particular impact on the actual race but also on the approach to work over the weekend. In any case, at Ferrari we have never used the radio for communications related to performance on the track. We use it to keep temperatures in check or to talk about traffic and strategy. I can't say whether the ban might affect the habits of other teams differently. Like any change, this too generated a lot of media attention: it also happened with the FRIC issue but in that case we saw that ultimately the impact on race performance was nothing special. I think something similar will happen with the new radio rule. It's like there's a football or basketball coach who can't talk to his players. Ultimately, however, it is the athlete who kicks or throws the ball. Our style won't change, it's not that we won't know how to tackle a circuit anymore."

Rather than let it slide, as would be his style, the Spaniard then decided to discuss the reasons behind yet another rumor regarding his future, this time relating to the fact that he and Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel could exchange place! “It's sad when these rumors are generated in Italy” – he stated – “It's a shame, because it doesn't help Ferrari which is the reason why all of us are here. Ferrari is a much bigger brand than any one individual or even Formula 1 in general. I have enormous respect for Ferrari and I try to maintain a good atmosphere among the guys in the team, in order to have a united team. It's what we need and it's what people expect from us. This is why I don't understand what the meaning of these rumors coming from Italy is."

Several factors linked to the characteristics of Marina Bay mean that fuel consumption could play an important role in Sunday's race. Alonso, however, does not think that this aspect could constitute a real problem: “It is true that we will be at the limit with fuel here, and that we will have to save a little more than usual, but we should be able to manage the situation, also because the design of the track lends itself better than others to saving fuel, because overtaking is more difficult and defending against possible attacks is therefore simpler".

Finally, we got to talking about the great news that characterized Ferrari after the Monza Grand Prix: the announcement of the resignation of the President, Luca di Montezemolo: "He was our point of reference for many years which were a great era for Ferrari” – recognized Fernando – “I wish him the best of luck for his new projects while I wish the new President good luck and, I hope, a future full of success”.