Ferrari 'better than people think' - de la Rosa
Mar.9 (GMM) Pedro de la Rosa has admitted he senses a little too much pessimism from the Ferrari camp.
Amid talk the famous team's new F2012 car is a flop and needs to be substantially redesigned, the La Gazzetta dello Sport daily wondered recently: "Let's hope it's just pre-tactics."
De la Rosa, the veteran Spanish driver for HRT, thinks there is an element of truth to that.
"They are better than people think," he told Cadena Ser radio.
"On the other hand I know that there are teams that are stronger, but I wouldn't rule out the podium -- I assure you," the 41-year-old insisted.
"What happens is you try to remove the pressure that is on you. As for me, I see Ferrari in a better shape than the sort of negative feeling that exists here in Spain.
"I think they have their problems like everyone else, but their car is faster than it seems."
It was Pat Fry, Ferrari's new technical director, who announced recently that the F2012 is not currently a podium contender.
"This is not something that goes through my head," Felipe Massa admitted to reporters in Sao Paulo this week.
I won't hide that we are not 100 per cent satisfied
"It is true we tested a type of exhaust and realised it was not the right thing. But last year everyone was 90 per cent sure we would fight for the title and then we did not.
"I won't hide that we are not 100 per cent satisfied with what we did in the three test sessions in Spain.
"But we have a very strong team and I have lots of faith in their capacity to be able to develop the chassis during the season," he added.
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
Aston Martin claims Lance Stroll is “unbeatable” at many F1 tracks
Aston Martin claims F1 chassis is “fifth-fastest” at some tracks
Aston Martin: Jonathan Wheatley isn’t joining “for the time being”
"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
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
Liam Lawson: “I don’t understand” why Arvid Lindblad escaped penalty after wrecking my floor
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