Alonso doubts Ferrari can be second best in 2013
Fernando Alonso: "You have to be realistic and realise that second place was a dream."
Nov.19 (GMM) Fernando Alonso does not think Ferrari can end its 2013 campaign by finishing runner-up to dominant champions Red Bull.
The Italian squad is currently sandwiched between Mercedes and Lotus in the lucrative constructors' world championship with just Sunday's Brazil finale to run.
But Spaniard Alonso said continuing to fend off Lotus is all Ferrari can now realistically hope for.
"There is nothing more we can do in this moment," he is quoted by France's L'Equipe.
"We are fighting to be in Q3 and scoring points on Sunday. Maybe it (finishing second) was just too high a goal.
However, while acknowledging that Ferrari's 2013 car is slower than the Mercedes and the Lotus, Alonso said he is proud of his personal performance this year.
Indeed, in Austin, he mathematically clinched the runner-up spot behind Sebastian Vettel in the drivers' chase.
"I am proud," he said, "because we clearly do not have the second fastest car. So finishing second is a great reward for me.
"But I would rather be tenth ten times and once champion, than to always finish second," Alonso insisted.
He is quoted by Spain's AS sports daily as admitting he is feeling "tired" heading into the last race of the season in Brazil.
"My preparation for this race (the US GP) was not ideal," said Alonso. "I was a week on the couch and in bed with headaches, dizziness.
"Physically I feel tired now and I felt stress throughout the weekend," he added.
"I think I'll be fine for Brazil, I am improving day by day and hopefully I feel a little better, less tired and I enjoy the weekend some more."
Share Or Save This Story
Jules Bianchi's father speaks of family's continued hopes
Sauber under no illusions about constructors' position
Pirelli chief calls for radical F1 overhaul
Fernando Alonso's only goal in no-hope Baku: Save parts for F1's triple-header
F1 driver contracts: How long is each driver tied down for?
Fernando Alonso’s idea to ‘save’ F1 before the V8 return – and how realistic it is
"Mr Horner is looking for a job" – Frederic Vasseur claps back at Ferrari rumours
Lewis Hamilton: ‘I towed Charles the whole time’ and ended up 0.5s slower
How the chase to catch Mercedes is unfolding
Frankie Muniz earns another GT4 America win with co-driver Tyler Stone at Barber
Isack Hadjar earns "team-mate points" after "exceptional comeback" in Baku, says Alex Brundle
Cleetus McFarland buys Greg Biffle's 2004 NASCAR Cup race car for $47,000
NASCAR Chase has been best blend of entertainment and integrity
Baku late-race chaos almost costs George Russell victory over Max Verstappen
How George Russell claimed his career-best pole margin in F1 Azerbaijan GP qualifying
How the chase to catch Mercedes is unfolding
What we learned from Thursday practice at the 2026 F1 Azerbaijan GP
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments