Ferrari believe they can still fight for the drivers’ and constructors’ titles with five races to go in 2010:
The Scuderia firmly believes that the points haul for first and third places in Monza has put it right back in the fight for both titles: Fernando [Alonso]’s 21 point deficit to the leader in the drivers’ classification represents less than one win, equivalent to a mere eight points if calculations were made based on last year’s system. However, with just five Grands Prix remaining, there are definitely no more second chances.
They are 60 points behind Red Bull in the constructors’ championship with a maximum of 215 to be won in the remaining races.
However both their drivers have already used all their eight engines at least once, something none of their title rivals have done.
The F10 will feature a revised floor and new front wing for the Singapore Grand Prix. The team say they’re confident in the tyre selection for this weekend too:
No problems are envisaged on the tyre front: by this stage of the championship, the teams having a good understanding of all four Bridgestone compounds, including the Super soft and Medium which will be used this weekend.
On Thursday Alonso and Felipe Massa will attend the official opening of the new Ferrari Store in Singapore.
2010 Singapore Grand Prix
Prisoner Monkeys (@prisoner-monkeys)
21st September 2010, 11:39
Possible, yes. Probable? No.
Scribe (@scribe)
21st September 2010, 11:41
I don’t see Ferrari catching McLaren let alone Redbull in the constructors, but the drivers? Yes Fernando has evry chances, but boooo. Germany Germany Germany.
RaulZ
21st September 2010, 12:12
I think we must forget Germany. Think about the changes made by RBR in the front wing. It sounds that it hasn’t been legal before Monza and nobody is going to think RBR doesn’t deserve the title if they win. For me, finding holes in the regulations is cheating, but I don’t mind.
At the end of the championship we will celebrate any result because F1 is all this things: Cheat, ideas, oportunities, luck…
Keith Collantine (@keithcollantine)
21st September 2010, 12:14
I don’t think one team breaking the sporting rules can be considered the same as another team not breaking the technical rules.
RaulZ
21st September 2010, 14:14
Well, it’s not the same but at the end it doesn’t matter. We should complain about the others or forget all of them.
If we don’t forget and don’t think that’s F1 then we’ll be allways remembering 2006 Renault mass-dumper, 2009 Brawn difuser, both involved in champion teams those years, or the flex wings RBR had to change this year, also involved on the championship.
The thing is that no one break the rules if there’s a hole in regulations. When FIA decides that it has been broken then it’s cheating but only forward.
Comming back to the example of Germany, Ferrari problem is solved in the same way nobody spoke again about the Brawn double difusser. And everybody could see that that was against the law spirit and now we are paying for that decision.
mfDB
21st September 2010, 15:06
Um, that is how the sport has been since day one. Engineers finding holes in regulations and exploiting them is not cheating and is part of how the developments of this sport work. That’s how wings ended up on the cars….If it is deemed illegal than so be it, but if the governing body deems it legal then it’s time to move on (this sort of applies to Germany too, right)…..
Tango
21st September 2010, 15:24
The 2006 Mass damper is a great example, and the closest to the RBR. It was banned mid season and Renault subsequently struggled, but still managed to win. Well, how did that tarnish their win ? In no way at all.
It was just creative thinking that was put back in place when discovered. I can’t compare technological innovation from the engineer with cheating that lets down one of the team members. The cars are
I mean, one is borderline and creative. The other one has already been identified as cheating and is just meaningless
Patrickl
21st September 2010, 15:15
“not” breaking the technical rules is a bit far fetched.
“not really being penalized” is more like it. In that respect both Ferrari and Red Bull are on similar footing
RaulZ
21st September 2010, 18:34
Keith, I’m sorry about my english, I hope you had fun with it, at least. I almost don’t understand what I write sometimes.
But, do you really think that RBR has not break the rules? they were not cheating because the way to measure the flexibility of the wing was not enough (the hole in regulation) but now they have had to change his wing and I think they were competing at an advantage.
Maybe they have not broken the technical rules but since we know what happened they have broken the sporting rules.
In short, I do not care. New Hockenheims occur every year, new difusers , new traps, new scandals. Trying to differentiate from each other is not F1 way.
Keith Collantine (@keithcollantine)
21st September 2010, 18:41
Red Bull didn’t fail the test. The FIA have now changed the test, and Red Bull still haven’t failed it.
Ferrari broke a rule, the FIA admitted they broke the rule but did not punish them in such a way as to take away the advantage they gained from it. Nor have they removed the rule, but they’ve indicated it may be changed in the future.
Apples and oranges? It’s like comparing apples with shoes.
RaulZ
21st September 2010, 19:03
you said in the Monza technical review that they didn’t pass the test. And I have read it in other blogs in my own language.
https://www.racefans.net/2010/09/20/technical-review-italian-grand-prix/
You add that it was by a little margin. ok. By a little margin the championship will be decided.
For me is the same because I don’t mind. I don’t feed scandals. I’ll never put in doubt the RBR championship if they win. Anyway, we’ll wait to see if the change of wing does not affect their rest of the season.
Keith Collantine (@keithcollantine)
21st September 2010, 19:08
John’s article, by the way – not that I’m not responsible for what goes on the site, but credit where it’s due.
RaulZ
21st September 2010, 22:07
Keith, although you haven’t posted it, the truth is that it is a fact. I used your own blog to show it because where I’ve read this was written in Spanish.
But you’ve written italicized “then Passed the Following day”. Do You really think that thay past the test the next day without modifying the wing?
I think RBR raced in Monza with a new (and now legal) wing and I hope to see whether the bad result at Monza will be repeated in the following GPs
Keith Collantine (@keithcollantine)
21st September 2010, 22:10
I’m not saying it isn’t true, I’m saying that whenever they used the wing in a competitive session it had passed the test as it was conducted at the time.
patrickl
22nd September 2010, 11:50
The point is that flexible bodywork breaks rule 3.15. Red Bull did break that rule.
Any breaks of this rule undetected by the tests goes unpunished, but it allows new tests to be introduced.
Tango
21st September 2010, 14:09
Yes, I agree with Keith here, it is apples and oranges.
I however have to agree about the last sentence, wether it is america’s cup, football et all, in the end, we only remember the winner, rarely the runner up, even if he was cleaner.
Joey-Poey (@joey-poey)
21st September 2010, 14:44
For me, however, I’ll always remember those 7 points. And like I’ve said before, I won’t acknowledge those 7 points.
RaulZ
21st September 2010, 18:18
Tango, if you break a technical rule that was created for the good of the sport then you are hurting the sport. Also, if you break a technical regulation and the others not, because it is prohibited, then you are in an advantageous position with other competitors, which is not very sporting.
Are pears and apples? I think they are both fruits. Of course non-compliance should be pursued in both cases and in equal measure.
Steph (@)
21st September 2010, 11:41
They are still possible and I’m glad they’re not giving up but the constructor’s seems to be getting further from their grasp. I think their real hope is the driver’s title and it has been for quite some time.
Keith Collantine (@keithcollantine)
21st September 2010, 11:51
I’m still getting used to the new championship arithmetic, especially when it comes to the constructors’ championship. But I don’t think they’re in that weak a position.
First of all, the F10 is a very good car, you have to say they underperformed with it earlier in the season. Without his mistakes at Melbourne, Shanghai and Silverstone Alonso could be well in the lead of the championship already.
Although everyone’s talking up Red Bull for the next race I really fancy Ferrari’s chances around there: good on brakes, happier on the softer tyres and Alonso has always gone well in Singapore.
If they get a one-two they score 43 points and the best their rivals can score is 22. If they do that at Singapore (and remember they were 1-3 at Monza and 1-2 at Hockenheim) then suddenly they’re 39 points behind Red Bull – at worst.
So I don’t think they’re that far out of it but, as they acknowledged, they can’t afford any more of the mistakes they made earlier in the season.
Steph (@)
21st September 2010, 12:04
I agree with everything you say and it isn’t over but I meant more the situation with the drivers.
I don’t think Singapore will be as bad as Hungary (watch me wrong). Alonso is brilliant around Singapore and Massa’s only outing there was pretty good so he should be a good wingman.
Ferrari have taken a completely different stance to last year witht he development. They’re throwing everything they can at it to claw it back.
I think they could get 2nd with the WCC. Red Bull have had the fastest car (maybe the flexi row will have hurt them a little) and although they’re fond of throwing away points there’s only been Monza where they haven’t looked strong.
I think it’ll come down to the drivers though. The fight should be alive for quite a while yet but Massa should be the weak link. Alonso is always on it in the Ferrari and somtimes splits the Red Bull’s like in Hungary but Massa hasn’t quite been there.
I hope it doesn’t rain in Brazil because I think that could be a good track for Ferrari but the Mclaren looks very good in the wet.
I will admit then I’m just making assumptions and they could all turn up to Singapore and be anywhere because of the development race which is part of why I’ve really found this year to be something special.
mfDB
21st September 2010, 15:12
I agree with Keith there too. Also, I think the Ferrari drivers have a bit of an advantage over the RedBull based on 1) experience and 2) the are no longer fighting each other. I know Webber has experience, but not at the top. The RBR guys are more likely to make a driving mistake under pressure. At this stage, I’d say McLaren really has the advantage over RBR and Ferrari…
BasCB
21st September 2010, 12:05
So this is another important one for the championship (just like Monza brought everyone in the top 5 back into contention for the WDC).
If anyone of them wins big here, or loses out badly that will define how they go about it.
Scribe (@scribe)
21st September 2010, 12:25
Monza is an anomaly and always will be. The next two races will tell us all we need to know on vastly different kinds of track. There do seem to be significant upgrades planned for the enxt twi races so lets see where everyone is.
Alex Bkk
21st September 2010, 11:47
It’s interesting to see them going for it… I think Ferrari’s results at Singapore will be the real deciding factor. If they do “very well” then it makes sense to keep updating the 2010. If they don’t… write off 2010 and think of 2011.
RING
21st September 2010, 12:13
Mathematically possible. But, improbable.
As much as I would like that to happen, it is highly unlikely… Odds are against it…
But then again, that’s how it looked in 2007.
LewisC
21st September 2010, 12:38
Just a small comment – Raikkonen was 17 points behind with 2 to go in 2007. That’s 42.5 points behind in the new system.
It’s not over by a million miles. (Or, to be pedantic – about 1000 miles. ;) )
BBT
21st September 2010, 13:07
PM said it all.
Well almost, all this 215 points left to win or 125 in WDC is nonsense, that only works in no one else finishes.
Keith Collantine (@keithcollantine)
21st September 2010, 13:12
It’s not “nonsense”, that is literally the maximum number of points available. When people have spent the last 20-odd years used to thinking “ten points for a win” I think it’s useful to keep in mind that the numbers have changed.
The idea that one championship contender might score maximum points while the rest score nothing would be nonsense, but no-one’s saying that’s likely.
BBT
21st September 2010, 13:28
Sorry didn’t read you comment above, I see you had considered the points available for low positions 135 points for 3 – 4 finishes, and I didn’t put my point very well.
Ferrari aren’t going to score a 1 – 2 result in all the remaining races…. or are they??
DASMAN
21st September 2010, 13:08
The frustrating thing about Ferrari this year is they’ve looked strong at a number of venues and then failed to convert those to points for various reasons. Altho I suppose the same could be said of Red Bull to an even greater extent.
My point is tho, the F10 is quick, Fernando has been blistering fast at certain times – Ferrari and the drivers have to capitalise on any frontrunning pace they may have in order to be close to the front of the Championships. As they said, no second chances.
Arhn
21st September 2010, 13:16
That’s very good. Though I’m not a Ferrari fan, I was afraid that the Scuderia would give up to focus on their next car.
That’s good news for us fans ! We’ll have a very good three teams fight for this season final !
BBT
21st September 2010, 13:21
Remember they are both on there last engine,although they can use engine one again in the last race apparently.
The drivers is their only realistic chance IMO, and that is a long shot, ALO needs to win three of the last 5 and be in the top 5 in the other two, unless the all the others start finishing off the podium, too much competition this year I think, can’t compare to 2007.
This weekend will be the test.
Todfod (@todfod)
21st September 2010, 14:30
Fernando needs to win atleast 2 of the remaining 5 races. As well as finish on the podium in every race. That should secure the WDC for him… but the WCC just doesnt seem possible.
AndrewTanner (@andrewtanner)
21st September 2010, 13:24
My money is still on Webber. Looking forward to the battle regardless!
DGR-F1
21st September 2010, 13:41
As long as Alonso can get his Qualifying right and start on the front row, then I cannot see him doing anything other than winning, in Singapore and after.
But if he messes up and starts a few rows back, then he won’t get anywhere much. I know that is probably really obvious, but I think both Ferrari drivers can get it wrong really easily and find themselves throwing chances away, and to some extent they are relying on mistakes from McLaren and Red Bull just as much as they are looking for their own improvements.
And what about the Massa situation? If he’s in front of Alonso will he let him straight past or will he put up a fight? I don’t think he is just going to sit back and let Alonso get all the glory if he has a chance too, no matter what ‘team orders’ may (or may not) be!
claudioff
21st September 2010, 14:18
I think every thing is still possible in this season. There are still five first corners, engines to blow, driving mistakes, cars upgrades, team orders, etc. Ferrari, McLaren and RB could easily grab both titles.
Gill
21st September 2010, 16:00
Anything is still possible. This is a great season. Ferrari may win or may not win but they are making the efforts and bringing updates to every race. Thats a good omen. And same goes for other teams as well. This is a cracker of a season and eveyone wants their fav driver/team to win and whoever wins this year, would have deserved this title.
We have seen quite a few innovations this year. F-duct, blown diffuser, flexi-wings, 3.4 sec pit stops, a blatant team orders, 5 WDC contenders, 3 WCC contenders, a flying red bull claiming poles in every but 2 races.
I am lovin this F1 2010.
I hope Alonso wins.
DaveW
21st September 2010, 16:21
Impressive that they are bringing major upgrades to Singapore after cracking out a new special F-Duct for Monza. Those guys are working like fiends now.
I also think they may be very strong at Singapore and Alonso could be dominant. At Valencia, we saw all three top teams very strong, but were robbed of a true battle by the SC situation—that track is likely more like Singapore than Monaco.
Of course, there is likely to be at least one SC lottery in the race, and quicking thinking and fortune will be key here.
nik (@nik)
21st September 2010, 17:48
The only way this is going to happen is if Red Bull, Maclaren and Renault all pull over for Alonso.
Worth a shot ‘Lewis, Jenson, Mark, Sebastian, Fernando is faster than you, I repeat, Fernando is faster than you. Sorry’
tharris19
21st September 2010, 23:58
It’s down to car development and drivers mental toughness. I would not bet against any of the top five at this point in the season, there are entirely too many variables to consider when trying to figure out who (team or driver) will win this season. This is all good.
wasiF1 (@wasif1)
22nd September 2010, 2:00
Yes they still can but they really needs to out think the Red Bull whose car’s will be the fastest in the remaining of the season.
Journeyer
22nd September 2010, 7:29
It’s not so much the gap that makes it difficult, it’s that there are two teams in front of them instead of one. They’ll need to beat both teams by beating them on pace and consistency. They can do that maybe at one or two weekends, but I doubt they can do it at all five.
Quite simply, if they couldn’t dominate Monza (which I’m sure Ferrari spent more than the others on), how can we expect them to dominate the remaining races?
Gill
22nd September 2010, 8:31
ITs still possible.
Acc to last year point system, these would have been the scores
Hamilton – 75
Webber – 74
Alonso – 67
Button – 67
Vettel – 66
Mclaren – 142
Redbull – 140
Ferrari – 117