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Sergio Marchionne says Ferrari "deserves" to keep charging for the 2016 world championship. That is despite the fact Sebastian Vettel, widely regarded as Maranello's lead driver, is already a whopping 67 points behind Mercedes' Nico Rosberg.
Ferrari and Fiat president Marchionne famously set Ferrari the target of winning immediately in 2016, but all four races so far have been won by Rosberg. "The drivers' title? I think we deserve it," the Italian, at the launch of the 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio, is quoted by La Repubblica. "Not because we are smarter, but simply as a reflection of the work we did in 2015," Marchionne added.
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"The most important thing now is to keep working," he said. "So far we have shown in at least three of the four races that we have the ability to be winners. Unfortunately due to mistakes, misfortune or other things, we did not succeed. But we have had four grands prix, and 17 remain. It's still open," Marchionne insisted.
"Sochi was the most difficult for us. We needed an engine really at maximum power. If we had got out in front of Mercedes they would have had a hard time to pass us, especially if it had been Vettel at the front," he said.
Finally, Marchionne was asked about Red Bull's decision to demote Daniil Kvyat, after two consecutive run-ins with Vettel in China and Sochi. "I don't want to judge the decisions of one of our competitors," he said.
"It (Sochi) was an unfortunate accident and I think Kvyat apologised to Seb. For me the issue is closed. If he will have consequences in terms of the regulations, it is up to the FIA to decide," added Marchionne. (GMM)
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Replies (4)
Login to replycalle.itw
Posts: 8,527
They can still do this, but it'll be hard for them even if the coming tracks will be more in their taste.
mclarenfan1968
Posts: 1,027
Merc car is no longer legal. They have switched on something just in the nick of time when Ferrari got very close to them on pace. That car is not within the spirit of the rules. That gap now is too large, unrealistically so.
khasmir
Posts: 893
It's pretty clear Merc were sandbagging. As soon as Ferrari got to close for comfort they turned up the wick.
Vet5
Posts: 225
Mercedes are pushing the car far too hard due to the threat from Ferrari, and I don't think Ferrari have pushed the their car yet, I think they have been in damage-limitation mode due to the reliability problems they have had, I believe they are bringing an upgrade to Canada, whether this is true or not is a different story, but Ferrari still have a racing spirit and will do everything they can to win (Legally) :)