Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali gave his crew a pep talk at Maranello today – and insisted that Fernando Alonso can still win the 2013 World Championship.
Domenicali’s speech, recounted on the Ferrari website, comes after some tension was created in the camp by Luca di Montezemolo’s reaction to Alonso’s comments after Hungary. Alonso has been frustrated by the team’s drop-off in form.
“There is still everything to play for and we have gone through this before, as recently as last year,” said Domenicali. “Nine races means that a total of 225 driver points are available, and rest assured that the goals we set ourselves at the start of the season are still perfectly attainable. It’s true we’ve gone through a difficult period, especially in July and now is the time to react in the way that Ferrari people know well.
“Our task is very simple: namely to give Fernando and Felipe the quickest car possible. Now, their contribution will be even more essential than ever. We have spelt it out many times before – the driver topic is definitely not a priority. What counts is to give them the best possible chance of finishing ahead of everyone and, in order to succeed, each and every one of us must do our job to the best of our ability on all levels. If they have a winning car in their hands, then I am convinced they will know how to win with it. If we all believe, then we can do it!”
Domenicali urged his team to focus on the job in hand.
“I don’t want to see any of you not believing in our fight back. Each one of you must be the link in a chain of positivity that must drive the team along in what is a key moment in the season. We are Ferrari and history teaches us that we must never accept we are beaten. There is much talk outside the company regarding the future, but we must concentrate only on the present, on the fight for the championship.
“The words of our President before the summer break must serve as a stimulus, because they were meant as the words of a good family father, who, first and foremost really roots for our team. Keep those words in mind and let’s all pull together, starting in Spa.”
Adam Cooper F1 
Hearing the same corporate rhetoric over and over again, season after season, gets a little tiring, no? It’s like the opposite of inspiring…
They don’t need to discuss drivers for next year because Kimi’s all signed up and ready to go. Lotus is laying their story for their failure to sign him by claiming they want Kimi, but only at the right price. Meaning he’s already flown the coop.