Next few races crucial for Ferrari’s 2011 campaign

Ferrari might have more to say in the coming days about the banning of its innovative new high rear wing in Spain.

Before the Italian team’s red cars were lapped during the Barcelona race, the FIA told them to revert to a conventional rear wing design because the one used in practice took an interpretation of the rules too far.

"I do not say anything," said Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo afterwards from Italy, according to ANSA news agency, "but I want to comment on the matter in the coming days."

Fernando Alonso led the race early but insists the team took a backwards step relative to the opposition.

"We were too slow on soft tyres and very slow on hard ones," he is quoted as saying by Finland’s Turun Sanomat.

The Spaniard added that a lack downforce is the main issue but he is refusing to give up.

"We took a step forward but at the same time McLaren and Red Bull took two," he said.

"I have not given up but we need a better car. Let’s see what happens at Valencia at the latest."

Team boss Stefano Domenicali is quoted by La Stampa newspaper as saying Monaco, Montreal and Valencia will be crucial races to compare the performance in Spain due to the different tyres that will be in use.

Spain’s AS newspaper said Ferrari is coming under pressure from major sponsor Santander, whose boss Emilio Botin reportedly had some hard words with Domenicali at the Circuit de Catalunya.

"There is no doubt that in 2012 there will be new staff in key positions at Ferrari," wrote the authoritative Livio Oricchio in his Jornal da Tarde column.

And Alonso is quoted by O Estado do S.Paulo newspaper: "Let’s have a very different car in Canada, and the next three races we have the soft tyres with which we are faster."

Added Domenicali, according to Autosprint: "After these races, we will see where we are and what direction to take."