“It looks very different from what we have seen in the last two years,”
Alonso said of the car.
“This is my third season at Ferrari and I am going to start with the same
strength and 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.”
Alonso added: “I believe in the skills we have here in Ferrari. We have
two months to get ready before the first competition. We have to fight for
the title and try and get as many points as possible. We really want to be
right at the top of the ranking.
“We have to be as consistent and resolute as possible and I am sure, really,
really sure we will be able to get great targets and great responsibility
for driving for Ferrari.”
Ferrari’s president Luca di Montezemolo added in a video message – Ferrari’s
launch had to be cancelled at the 11th hour due to snow in Italy – that he
was hopeful any disputes over teams pushing the boundaries of the
regulations would not overshadow the campaign.
There are reports that the FIA’s technical director Charlie Whiting may travel
to Jerez next week due to concerns over the designs of the new cars.
“Everything has been improved, and I am sure we will be rewarded,” di Montezemolo
said. “Our fans and supporters want to see us back to great glory.
“I am sure in the forthcoming season the regulations will have to be trusted
in a transparent way, and we trust the FIA to view these regulations with
the right spirit.”
Force India’s British driver Paul di Resta said he would be under more pressure
this year in his second season in the sport, particularly with a new team
mate in Nico Hulkenberg.
“I think there’s always pressure in any sport but yeah there’s a little
more as I’m not a rookie anymore,” he said. “There is that nature
there to try and beat your team-mate, but we’re there to represent Force
India and you need to look at the whole team.”
Meanwhile, HRT have announced Indian Narain Karthikeyan as their second driver
for 2012. The 35-year-old will join 40-year-old Pedro de la Rosa in the
oldest line-up on the grid this year.