Fernando Alonso’s manager, Flavio Briatore, doesn’t blame the Spaniard for his poor results, he believes that the designers in Maranello are lacking “something creative” and have built a flawed car.
The former-Renault team principal recently called for Ferrari to ditch any development for this season and to instead concentrate on 2012, admitting the title fight would be between Red Bull and McLaren.
He has backed those comments once again, saying it will be ‘impossible’ to catch Red Bull, who are over 1.5 seconds ahead.
“The pilot is important, but the car is even more so,” said Briatore. “If a driver is competitive, a competitive car makes a difference, but Fernando [Alonso] can not because the problem is the car.
“It is impossible to catch up with Red Bull, and Ferrari will have to fight for third place this season,” he added.
“Fernando wanted to be in a Ferrari at any cost. He is more than satisfied with the team but he wants a more competitive Ferrari and he will do everything to help out.”
Briatore knows the problem isn’t to do with the Italian outfits resources, which are plentiful. The 61-year-old believes that outfit lacks ‘creativity’, something Red Bull’s Adrian Newey exudes.
“Ferrari lack something creative,” he said. “[They have the] potential, financial resources and equipment. It is clear that they are going through a very difficult time and they must find solutions, especially in the aspect of aero.”
Whilst they may be able to make up some ground, he doesn’t expect Red Bull to make the mistakes it made in 2010, rather, he is the view that the Milton Keynes based outfit will ‘almost’ have the title wrapped up within the next seven races.
“The difference is big and I do not expect Red Bull to make the same mistakes of last year. In six or seven races they will have almost won the championship.”
