McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh believes the surprise victory in Malaysia, in which Fernando Alonso was triumphant, signals that the 2012 championship is ‘wide open’.
Alonso managed to win from ninth on the grid after changeable weather conditions proved Ferrari’s fortay on the day, whilst McLaren’s own Lewis Hamilton fell back two places from pole, to finish third behind the Sauber of Sergio Perez.
This has led Whitmarsh to believe that several cars could be fighting for the title in 2012.
“The championship is wide open,” he said. “We are in a reasonable position to win more races and the championship, but that requires us to perform well, not make mistakes and continue to develop our car at a decent rate.”
With Ferrari set to debut a revised car at the Mugello test, ready for the Spanish GP, Whitmarsh admitted he had some concerns that they could dramatically improve.
“You always do [worry]. When trying to win the championship you are always worried, and you hope you can deliver a little bit more performance.
“If you are honest about it, at the back of your mind you worry that someone may turn up having had a Eureka moment and might overhaul you.
“But it is a long, long championship ahead. We are not in bad shape but certainly nothing is taken for granted. No one can say with confidence the outcome of this year’s world championship, and that is just how it should be.”
