Domenicali: We know what we want next year

A busy day for Stefano Domenicali, the Head of the Scuderia Ferrari, but also an opportunity to talk with the fans and Formula 1 enthusiasts during a video chat session on Ferrari.com. More than 1,000 Scuderia Ferrari Community members followed the chat with Domenicali, while some of them received a reply to their published question live during the session.

The fans were extremely curious and many topics were mentioned during the chat session: "Do you think that the ban of the blown exhausts and the contribution of Pat Fry will help to beat the competition in 2012?” Matteo Kevin asked entering immediately with a very technical topic. "The ban of the exhausts generating downforce is very important, because we didn’t know how to benefit from them and couldn’t create the right performance in 2011. It’s important, because it brings the aerodynamic development back to a level where we’ve been working for months. As far as Pat Fry is concerned, I don’t believe in personalising things, the decisions go in a direction to improve the team: everybody is extremely motivated and the objective is very clear."

Bobjoon, still with the upcoming season and the expectations in sight, was a little bit worried, asking which measures Domenicali thought to take to avoid a not very satisfying season like the one just finished. “On one side we’re reacting with some changes regarding the organisation. Then I asked the engineers to not underestimate any aspect of the car. We have to be realistic. I think that the decisions we’ve taken are very efficient. We want to get back where we were.”

Regarding Pat Fry, Giovanni Manfrin asked if he is the right person at the right place and if the situation before was somehow due to Aldo Costa: "I think, like I said before, that we don’t have to talk on a personal level in the organisation. I think we have to thank Aldo Costa, because also thanks to him we won several titles and he’s extremely professional. Sometimes you have to shake a little bit to get the positive aspects the organisation can use. If the choice was right, we’ll see it in the results."

The question everybody was waiting for came from Full_throttle: "At what point are we regarding the new car?" "We’re following our plans. We’ve been working for several months on the new project,” the Team Principal said. “On paper everything is positive, but we have to wait to get onto the track. The signs that it’s a competitive car are all there. But as I already said: let’s keep our feet on the ground and let’s always scrutinise ourselves."

There were also some questions regarding the drivers’ market, like Kubica at Ferrari in 2013, which could disturb Massa in the upcoming season: "This is all part of the tactics and the interests in the game that there are always voices. I’m expecting a great season from Felipe, catching up and resurging."

There was also something about the upcoming talents Ferrari is watching to choose as its drivers for the future, Debra Jardine asked: "We’re in a transitional phase where young talents are less frequently found. We’ve invested in young talents, from kart with Lance Stroll to Formula 3 with Maisano and Marciello up to Bianchi and Rigon. And let’s not forget that in the FDA there’s a youngster like Sergio Perez, who did very well in his first year in Formula 1. They have to be able to test drive. This is why we want more tests."

Gabriele23 asked something more personal: how Domenicali thinks it was possible for him to get where he is now, the Head of the Scuderia: “First of all: entire dedication to my work and the company, which has given me a lot; the desire to always learn from everybody, attention to everything happening around you and most of all never giving up, especially not under pressure. Accepting criticism without exaggerating and always a positive general approach in life." Rafa Montalvo Arias asked: "Did you ever drive a single-seater?" "No. In life you have to divide competences. But I was lucky enough to have a go in a three-seater". Fedele Longo asked Domenicali how he will spend his holidays. "I will just be in the mountains with my family, my kids and my wife. It was a very intense year". Last but not least: "Let’s not forget that there are many things around us, which are not only Formula 1: I hope for more serenity and I think that Santa knows exactly what he should bring me this year.”