Ferrari: In Abu Dhabi, reliability is the number one priority

Away split in two for Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro. While the group of mechanics, who left in the night between Sunday and Monday from Sao Paulo in Brazil, is already on track at the Yas Marina Circuit, the technicians made a short stop in Maranello where the usual post-race debriefing was held this morning.

The analysis of the Interlagos weekend did not offer any particular surprises. In terms of performance, the aerodynamic innovations introduced in Brazil met expectations but, clearly, a gap remains, at least in qualifying, compared to the main rivals. In the race, however, the F10 confirmed that it was competitive at the highest levels: if it hadn't been for the grid position and the seconds lost in the duels with Hamilton and Hulkenberg, Fernando Alonso would have been able to battle the two Red Bulls very closely. Felipe also would have had the potential to finish in the top five but the problem at the pit stop - a malfunction of a gun when fixing the wing nut to the right front wheel - prevented him from demonstrating it.

Reliability was precisely the focus of the technicians' attention. It is clear that in a decisive race like the one in Abu Dhabi there is no margin for error. It will be essential not to have any problems from the start of the weekend, in order to prepare for qualifying and the race in every detail. Between today's afternoon and tomorrow the engineers will also reach Abu Dhabi, where the pilots will arrive in the evening, with a direct flight from Sao Paulo.

Throughout the team, in Maranello and on the track, there is an awareness of what is at stake as well as of the fact that, for the twelfth time in the last fourteen years, the Scuderia arrives at the last race in a position to either compete for a title or , to have already conquered it. Many elements and factors have changed but Ferrari is still there, at the top of Formula 1.