Don't write off Ferrari, experts warn

Mar.15 (GMM) One mystery to be solved this weekend is just how much trouble the Ferrari team is in.

Felipe Massa, Scuderia Ferrari

Photo by: xpb.cc

Depending on who is asked in the paddock, the famous Italian team is either in full-speed 'crisis', slightly off the pace, or bluffing after apparently struggling with its all-new F2012 car in winter testing.

Pirelli's Paul Hembery warned that writing off a great team like Ferrari is "very dangerous".

"From the data I've seen," he told Auto Motor und Sport, "they seem to have some good pace.

"They have made many changes and have many innovations on the car -- I find it a bit strange to write off a team like Ferrari at this stage.

"From the data that I know of, it looks as if they have potential, so as ever in Formula One, things can change very quickly," said the Briton.

Agreeing with Hembery is Mercedes' Michael Schumacher, who won five of his record seven titles with Ferrari.

"All the hype about their situation is too much," said the German. "They seem to have some problems, but you should never write off Fernando Alonso."

Schumacher's Mercedes boss Norbert Haug added: "I don't think Ferrari's problems are (as bad) as they have been reported everywhere."