Marchionne urges Ferrari to stay focused
Ferrari and FIAT President Sergio Marchionne hailed the resurgence of his team and praised the job done over the winter which propelled Ferrari to score its first race win after a one and half year-long winless period.
With Sebastian Vettel's triumph in the season-opening Australian GP, Ferrari ended a long winless drought. The team endured a difficult, winless 2016 campaign and scored its last victory in the 2015 Singapore GP.
Marchionne who kept calm over the winter with his expectations for the 2017 season said it was high time for the fabled Italian manufacturer to turn its fortunes around in the pinnacle of motorsport after some troublesome seasons.
"It was about time. I am delighted for the team and for our tifosi who stood by us throughout this whole period. We’ve been waiting for this victory for almost a year and a half. Hearing the Italian national anthem again was very moving.”
The American-Italian hailed the contribution of Sebastian Vettel, but also hopes that the team's Finnish driver Kimi Räikkönen can improve his pace and join the German in terms of pace.
“Sebastian delivered a great race and I am sure Kimi will be soon up there battling alongside his team-mate. Of course, this victory is something to share with the entire team, both at the circuit and back in Maranello, because teamwork is the only way to achieve major goals.”
The 64-year-old, however, is aware of rival Mercedes' performance and asks his team to continue to develop the so far promising SF70-H.
“Now, however, it is absolutely essential to remember that this is not the destination but the first step on a long road that must see us all focused on improving each and every day."
