SEPTEMBER 24, 2012

Ferrari: we need to make a step

Sebastian Vettel's second win of the season in the Singapore Grand Prix brought the double champion to within 29 points of Alonso's 194 point total as Ferrari found that it could not match the pace of the leading cars around the Marina Bay track.

Alonso managed to finish third, behind Vettel and Jenson Button's McLaren, his eighth podium finish this year.

"Considering the level of performance we had to be pleased with our result," Domenicali said. "It was clear that in Singapore the Red Bull and McLaren were stronger than us, but points are what counts and a reliability issue at this stage of the season can be very heavy.

"Reliability is going to be key for the rest of the season and engine mileages will start to be short for everyone. We had a problem at Monza, so it has to be a priority.

"Even so, we have six circuits left with different characteristics and we cannot rely on the problems of others. We need more downforce but we need to be rational and calm in our choices. We muct be careful not to make changes to the car that do not improve it or make it worse. We want to make sure that Fernando can win again."

Ferrari tried a new rear wing design in Singapore but ultimately did not race it.