Fernando Alonso insists that
Ferrari has to fight for the F1 title this season after the launch of the new F2012 at Maranello.
The Spaniard finished well down on
Sebastian Vettel in the race for the title last year and managed just one victory as
Ferrari also failed to challenge
Red Bull for the constructors' championship.
In order to try and challenger this season,
Ferrari had adopted an aggressive strategy when it comes to the design of its new car and Alonso said he was determined to try and use the new car to fight for the title.
"It looks very different from what we have seen in the past two years," he said in reference to the stepped nose in place. "I am going to start with the same strength, determination. I want to do great. Of course it will be quite competitive for the whole season, but we want to see red cars on the podium. We start next week in
Jerez and we keep working together. I am sure we will do well this year.
"I really believe in the skills we have here in Ferrari. We have to be optimistic. We have two months to get ready for the first race in Australia. We have to fight for this title, we have to get as many points as possible at every race.
"We want to win the Drivers' and the Constructors' Championships. I'm sure we will be able to get great targets even if I feel great responsibility driving a Ferrari."
With
Felipe Massa having been urged to raise his game after a tough 2011 campaign, team boss Stefano Domenicali backed both drivers to fight towards the front.
"I am sure our team will deliver a great effort," he said. "For Fernando I don't have to add anything about his skill. In a difficult time last year he extended his relationship with us for many years, so this shows his responsibility.
"Felipe has been here 10 seasons in F1, always with a
Ferrari engine, always with us. A great, great talent and I am sure this year, after a difficult season, he will show his great value for himself and the whole team."
