Ferrari: Schumacher comeback leaves wounds

B A traditional season opener in Madonna di Campiglio should actually be the resurrection celebrated by Ferrari. Instead, everything still revolves around the move from Michael Schumacher to Mercedes. The first test drives of the record champion did not go unnoticed by his former team.

Separation leaves wounds for Ferrari

'It is not easy to drive him again The separation after such a long collaboration is not without wounds, 'explains Stefano Domenicali. 'But when you see him with the red helmet that he has already worn with us, it seems difficult for him to draw a line under the past.' Ferrari doesn't just want to tick off the Schumacher issue. 'We mustn't forget what he did for us. We have to thank him for it. But Schumacher also owes a lot to Ferrari.'

There are no special thoughts about a revenge on the race track. 'He's an opponent now and we'll do everything we can to beat him. We'll be fair to him of course,' said Domenicali. The respect is still there. 'We know that Michael is strong. He is convinced that in the coming season he will have a car with which he can show what he can do.' The Italian also admits that the return is good for the interest in Formula 1.

Alonso should beat Schumacher

Too many thoughts on the breakaway Germans shouldn't waste the Scuderia. After the disappointing 2009 season, Ferrari is particularly under pressure. President Luca di Montezemolo wants to see victories. And the Tifosi are also longing for a title after two years without a championship.

Fernando Alonso should bring fresh momentum to the team. Domenicali praised his newcomer in the highest tones: 'Fernando is one of the best both in terms of talent and his way of working. He brings everything that is needed. But as the saying goes: Even the best rider has a problem without one good horse. That's why it's our job to give him a good car. '

New Ferrari will be presented on January 28th

On Wednesday Ferrari gave it also known for the first time when the new red goddess will be presented. The official team presentation with the drivers and the 2010 car is to take place in Maranello on January 28th. 'How good the carcompared to its predecessor, we will only find out after the first test drive. We won't see how good we are compared to the competition until much later. We will not be able to make a first judgment until the last tests at the end of February. '

According to Domenicali, we have worked well over the winter.' We have everything we need to be competitive. However, we must not become too confident. The other teams have certainly done a good job as well. 'Who will pilot the new car on its maiden voyage has not yet been determined one hundred percent.' We still have to work out the exact test program. But if I have my way, Felipe Massa will drive the first day and Fernando Alonso the next two days. '