If you put all the number ones together around the table it can be more
damaging than positive.
So for the time being, this is not our goal.” Domenicali said he felt
strongly that Massa’s worst days were behind him.
The Brazilian has struggled since the arrival of Fernando Alonso in 2010, but
having agreed a new one-year deal midway through 2012 his performances
improved noticeably.
“I believe that the most difficult moment of Felipe’s career is behind
him,” Domenicali said.
“I was under a lot of pressure last year to make a change but I thought
it was important to wait and I consider that it was the right decision.
“He did the switch I would say in the summer break and the Felipe we saw in
the second half of season was the driver we would want.
“To count on a Felipe that has finished the championship in such a way, I
believe is a good motivation point for Fernando.”
As for his own job, Domenicali described the role of team principal of Ferrari
as a “privilege” but noted that he was under considerably more pressure than
his counterparts at other teams, such as McLaren and Mercedes, who have also
failed to beat Red Bull in recent years.
McLaren, in particular, had a disappointing 2012 overall, failing to challenge
for either championship despite having arguably the quickest car.
“You do not do this job if you want an easy life,” Domenicali said. “I am
always under pressure but it is not a problem. I can handle it.”
Ferrari said that the launch of their 2013 car will take place in Maranello on
Feb 1 – the day after McLaren launch their new challenger in Woking – and
also revealed that 41 year-old Pedro de la Rosa had been signed as a
development driver.
Recent reports in Spain suggested that new McLaren driver Sergio Perez was
keen for de la Rosa to return to Woking, but the veteran has accepted a role
with Ferrari which will see him help the Italian team to “make a further
step in the world of simulation”.