We have not actually won anything yet warns Montezemolo

A quick toast to celebrate coming first and third in the Korean Grand Prix and then it was back to work for everyone, to prepare in minute detail for the double header in Brazil and Abu Dhabi which will bring this long season to a close.

Ferrari President Luca di Montezemolo and Team Principal Stefano Domenicali put out a very clear message to the staff of the Gestione Sportiva who held their usual post-victory meeting in the Logistics pavilion.

“Now comes the hard part and that’s something we must bear in mind,” said Domenicali in exhorting the crew. “Over the next three weeks, we have to do everything perfectly: reliability, the work at the track and at home and preparation for the race. These are things we are well used to, but it still merits repetition. I have always said that this year, keeping a cool head is what will make the difference and we must not get carried away with the words of praise, just as we did not get downhearted by the criticism in the most difficult moments: we should leave unguarded enthusiasm at the door.”

“First of all, I want to congratulate and thank you all, because this great fight-back is down to you,” said Montezemolo. “In these last few races, we have seen Ferrari working perfectly, both at the track and at home. This is the image of the team I like to see projected to the outside world, one of a team of competent and capable people, proud to represent a winning side of Italy, which was clearly visible in the faces of those you who stood beneath the podium on Sunday. I was happy to see Fernando once again proving to be very strong and focussed, not putting a foot wrong and I was also pleased to see Felipe back on the podium, going into his home race, where I have no doubt, he will enjoy a great weekend.

“We were not useless before and we have not become genii now: we are just a team that never surrenders,” continued the President. “However, we have not actually won anything yet. I have said this to all of you before: each one of us must aim for pole in our own roles, going about our business in a level headed fashion, with concentration and determination, then we can add up the figures in Abu Dhabi.”