Assessment: Abu Dhabi is not yet Ferrari World

In the stands, they began to dream of an ideal scenario for Scuderia Ferrari this Sunday. After Lewis Hamilton’s retirement, the Maranello team was only two points away from climbing the constructors’ podium. Kimi Räikkönen could still have saved Scuderia Ferrari this season and left as a great champion. But it was impossible for him, the F60 had stopped all development since Hungary, and despite repeating it, the team kept hoping that the Iceman would warm the hearts of the tifosi.

The Finn drops back one position to Kamui Kobayashi at the first corner and then found himself stuck behind the Brawn GP drivers, with the points slipping away. The Italian Giancarlo Fisichella finishes in 16th place for his last race with Ferrari and has not yet decided on his future. Even though he won’t be a main driver, he has a good chance of staying on as a driver with Ferrari.

The team from Maranello has been preparing for several months for the next car, which will hit the track in January with a certain Fernando Alonso behind the wheel. 2009 is now far behind, and the entire team eagerly awaits 2010.

Kimi Räikkönen – 12th:

« We knew we didn’t have a competitive car here. It really wasn’t a good weekend, but I don’t think any of us have any blame for that. We did the best we could with the package we had. At the start, the track was a little slippery, and it cost me a place to Kobayashi, who was very quick today. Then, when the two Brawns ended up ahead of me after their first pit stop, our race was definitely compromised, and finishing in the points became impossible. It’s a shame to end my career at Ferrari with this result, but this year we were never in a position to fight for victory at every race, as I would have wished. »

Giancarlo Fisichella – 16th:

I’m disappointed that the third place slipped away from us in this manner, but today our pace was what it was, as shown by my teammate’s twelfth place. I tried everything I could, as usual, and I feel that I had a good race. The drive-through penalty was unfortunate as it compromised my second stint. I got a good start and overtook Grosjean, who got back ahead of me by cutting the chicane, but then he gave back the position, reclaiming what I had gained. I’m sorry for not contributing to the team in terms of points and not really showing my worth. Unfortunately, the F60 is very difficult to drive, especially in qualifying, and starting from the back is always very penalizing. Now it’s time to think about the future: I don’t know yet if I’ll have a seat in a team, but what is certain is that I will be a Ferrari driver, and I’m very happy about that.

Stefano Domenicali – Director:

« It’s disappointing to see the third place in the constructors’ championship slip away for just one point, but we must accept the verdict of the track. We made a strategic decision regarding the development of the F60 a few months ago, and we knew that the more time passed, the more difficult it would become. However, I want to congratulate the entire team, who, despite the difficult situation, continued to maintain their focus and worked with the same determination and tenacity. Now, we must continue working on designing the new car, as we have a very simple goal: to be part of the fight for victory again. This was Kimi’s last race with us, and once again today, he gave his maximum. We are very disappointed not to have provided him with a competitive car this season, and I thank him for never giving up. In fact, the fight is even more difficult when the situation is delicate. These thanks extend to all our drivers: to Felipe [Massa], who experienced a dramatic moment in Budapest and is quickly recovering to 100% for the start of next season; to Luca [Badoer], who accepted the challenge of stepping in during a very difficult time; to Giancarlo [Fisichella], who, to realize his dream of racing for Ferrari, left a team as it was starting its best part of the season. Even today, he does his utmost until the final kilometer. I am proud of our drivers, as I am of everyone who works in our team, and I am convinced that each of them knows how to learn from the good lessons of this season and will be even more motivated to try to redeem themselves immediately. »