The Italian press is reporting that Ferrari could abandon the innovative pull-rod suspension layout of its disappointing F2012 car.
The Spanish sports daily AS concurs, adding that the revised car could be ready as soon as next month, and certainly in time for Barcelona in May.

“Ferrari may even give up its revolutionary front suspension,” wrote correspondent Manuel Franco.

Until the F2012, the pull-rod layout has not been seen at the front of a formula one car since designer Gabriele Tredozi’s 2001 Minardi.

Interestingly, Spaniard Fernando Alonso raced both cars.

According to O Estado de S.Paulo correspondent Livio Oricchio, Ferrari spokesman Luca Colajanni played down the reports.

“But I am not so sure the information is unfounded,” Oricchio insisted.

At Sepang, La Gaceta reporter Carlos Miguel Gomez asked Alonso about the ‘big step’ for the F2012 that is being imminently planned by Ferrari.

“It is up to you to write that there will be a new car coming,” the Spanish driver answered.

“It won’t be just us: I think everyone will make updates at every race. We just need to make ours work a little bit more,” said Alonso.

“New parts will slowly come at every race and hopefully they work, but there’s not one magic race or one magic moment when we think things can change.”

Felipe Massa’s Ferrari seat is a big talking point in the Sepang paddock on Thursday.
Following a dire performance in Australia for the Brazilian, the Italian press has named Sergio Perez, Adrian Sutil and even Jarno Trulli as possible candidates to immediately oust Massa.

Mexican Perez, the cream of Ferrari’s development programme and already at Ferrari-powered Sauber, said in Malaysia: “It’s very early to say that or speculate.”

Very keen for a chance like this, however, is Force India refugee Sutil, who has been left without a job in the wake of his criminal conviction.

“I am very motivated and I’m training hard to stay fit,” the German is quoted on Thursday by Auto Bild Motorsport.

All eyes will be on Massa this weekend, as Ferrari has agreed to build him up a new F2012 chassis in the wake of his lacklustre performance in Melbourne.

“I really don’t care,” he said in reaction to the rumours, “I have a job.”

 Ferrari has swiftly denied reports Felipe Massa could be dumped even before his 2012 contract runs out.
Among the Italian press’ hypothetical candidates for the struggling Brazilian’s seat are Sergio Perez, Adrian Sutil and even the out-of-work Italian Jarno Trulli.

But according to O Estado de S.Paulo correspondent Livio Oricchio, Ferrari spokesman Luca Colajanni dismissed the reports as being “without foundation”.

Colajanni added that Ferrari is fully supportive of Massa’s situation, and has built up a new F2012 chassis for him to race this weekend after underperforming in Australia.

Oricchio quoted Massa as having said after Melbourne that he believed there was a problem with his original chassis.

“My setup was not very different from Alonso’s,” said the 30-year-old, “but my tyres were gone after five laps.”

 Felipe Massa’s formula one career appeared in deep crisis on Wednesday, as the Italian press lined up multiple candidates to replace him.
Earlier, the weekly Autosprint suggested out-of-work grand prix winner and Italian Jarno Trulli is available to step in immediately to replace the beleaguered Brazilian, whose contract expires this year.

Ferrari seemed to clear a path for the 30-year-old’s removal by moving to replace his F2012 chassis ahead of Sepang, “to clear up any doubts about the unusual performance of his car” last weekend in Australia.

On Wednesday, the authoritative daily La Gazzetta dello Sport said Ferrari is considering dropping a driver mid-season for the first time since Rene Arnoux in 1985.

The newspaper said Ferrari development driver Sergio Perez, who is currently at Sauber, is an option, as is the former Force India driver Adrian Sutil.

A poll at Autosprint’s website, meanwhile, asked readers to nominate a worthy replacement for Massa — Mexican Perez scored the highest, with 44.7 per cent of the vote.

Second was Trulli with 27.6pc, followed by Rubens Barrichello at 6.6pc.

Only 1.3 per cent voted for 30-year-old Massa, who never returned to form following his serious accident in Hungary in mid 2009.

 Most leading specialist publications see Red Bull as the continuing pacesetter in formula one.
In their recent analysis, outlets including Auto Motor und Sport (Germany), La Gazzetta dello Sport (Italy) and Autosport (Britain) believe world champion Sebastian Vettel again resides the best car ahead of the 2012 season.

“They still have an advantage, but it’s smaller,” agreed Jenson Button, according to Brazil’s O Estado de S.Paulo.

His boss Martin Whitmarsh added: “Red Bull has a solid, fast car, better than us in slow corners, but we’re better in the fast ones.”

Switzerland’s Sonntagsblick, however, sees McLaren actually ahead of the energy drink-owned team, with Mercedes in third place and Force India a surprise fourth.

“Red Bull is faster (than Mercedes),” said the German marque’s boss Ross Brawn, “and clearly a little more than we had hoped for,” he told Auto Motor und Sport.

The international publications said Lotus, amid their chassis flaw problems, rank anywhere between third (Auto Motor und Sport) and eighth (Blick).

According to the same press, Ferrari is in trouble, ranking no higher than fifth in the lists of the aforementioned publications — and the authoritative Auto Motor und Sport predicting nothing short of a disastrous season for the fabled Italian team.

Felipe Massa is quoted by Spanish reporters as saying Barcelona was “a little more positive” than the Jerez test recently, and he was asked to rank the development of the new F2012 car out of ten.

“Probably more than five. There is still much to do, but now we are closer than we were,” said the Brazilian.

As for whether the car is a race winner, Massa added: “I hope so, but it’s very difficult to say anything in testing,” he is quoted by Finland’s Turun Sanomat.

Indeed, Sauber’s Kamui Kobayashi ended last week’s Barcelona test with the quickest time, but Blick’s veteran correspondent Roger Benoit warned against taking that too seriously.

“When with the same tyres at the same time, (Mercedes’ Nico) Rosberg was a second faster per lap than Sauber’s Japanese,” he said.

“In testing, the truth is seldom revealed — if the teams used lie detectors, they would all be laying exploded around us.”

According to Britain’s Sun newspaper, Kobayashi confirmed: “I don’t think McLaren and Red Bull are slow.

“We don’t really wish for wins or podiums. For us this is a bit too far away.”

Instead, the midfield battle looks extremely tight, with Brazilian correspondent Livio Oricchio surmising that Sauber as well as Force India, Toro Rosso and Williams are all in there.

“It will be race to race,” Toro Rosso’s Giorgio Ascanelli told the Italian press. “From what we’ve seen so far, this fight will be amazing.”

And Oricchio concluded: “As for HRT and Marussia, who have not even presented their 2012 cars, they undoubtedly have capable people, but also almost as many difficulties.”

The Italian press has pointed the finger at Vitaly Petrov’s “rubles” as Jarno Trulli races out of formula one.
With Vitantonio Liuzzi replaced at HRT by Narain Karthikeyan, and veteran Trulli ousted at Caterham by Petrov, F1 history enters a new phase as Italy no longer has a single driver on the grid.

“If you look,” said former grand prix winner Riccardo Patrese to La Stampa, “the drivers coming in now are from central America and the East.”

The unsponsored Trulli, 37, said he still wants to race but also has his wine and hotel businesses to keep him busy.

“More than anything else, apart from the results, I am proud to have been able to fulfil my dream of racing in F1 for many years and stay on the grid on my own power, without anybody’s help,” he is quoted by La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Switzerland’s Blick newspaper points out that no fewer than 81 Italian drivers have raced in the modern F1 championship.

And Brazilian correspondent Livio Oricchio reminded that in 1989, no fewer than 16 drivers in the field were Italian.

Some Italian fans are pointing the finger at Ferrari, annoyed that the famous marque has not signed a full-time Italian race driver for many years.

And why Felipe Massa? “Because we believe in him,” an official of the Maranello based team is quoted by Spain’s Marca newspaper.

“It’s not enough to have an Italian passport to drive for Ferrari,” he added.

Paul di Resta’s manager has hinted Mercedes could be interested in signing the rookie Scot for 2012.

The comments by Anthony Hamilton on Tuesday follow Michael Schumacher’s reported admission in the Italian press this week that he is not sure “if my mindset is right for this team”.

“At some point we will evaluate whether I continue or stop,” said the seven time world champion.

Should the German return to retirement, di Resta – impressive on his F1 race debut with Mercedes-powered Force India this year – is considered the favourite for the seat.

He won the DTM championship with Mercedes last year and remains close to the German carmaker.

Said di Resta’s manager Hamilton, the father of 2008 world champion Lewis: “I’d like to think that there is an interest — Paul is a Mercedes protege.

“I’m proud of him. He will make a great replacement for someone at a top team.”

Rome mayor Gianni Alemanno on Friday called off the Italian capital’s bid for a formula one race.
This week, the mayor said Rome was “taking a step back” with its plans for a street race in the EUR district, after Bernie Ecclestone said there was not room on the F1 calendar.

“Now I can formally and definitively renounce the project of the grand prix of Rome,” said Alemanno in a press conference, according to Italian press sources.

He said surveys had shown that the idea of a F1 race Rome was unpopular, adding that the historic city should instead focus on securing the 2020 Olympics.

Ferrari’s 2011 car will be launched officially in the week proceeding the first group winter test at the end of January.

That was one of the revelations made by Luca di Montezemolo on Tuesday as he met with the Italian press at Fiorano for a traditional pre-Christmas media event.

The Ferrari president said the F10′s successor will be launched on January 25-31 — before the first test of the pre-season at Valencia.

Asked to sum up the season, he told reporters: “We were disappointed, there’s no point denying it.

“But, realistically, it was more bitter in 2008, when Felipe Massa crossed the finish line as world champion.

“From 1997 onwards, except 2005 and 2009, we have either won or lost at the last race. The opponents – Williams, McLaren, Renault, Red Bull – always change, only Ferrari is there,” said Montezemolo.

Asked to give a report card for the 2010 drivers Massa and Fernando Alonso, he answered: “9 and a half to Alonso. He did not win, but (the score is) from the point of view of results, character and relationship with the team.

“Less than a 7 for Felipe Massa. For some reason with have a problem with the brothers of our drivers arriving during the season,” he smiled.

“It happened with Schumacher, Raikkonen and now Massa. I think Felipe got a bit tired mid-season and went home, sending his brother to drive,” joked the Italian.

“He gets a minus-7 but he has promised to come back next year.”

As for Ferrari: “8. You do not get full marks when you don’t win, but it was an exceptional year for commitment and determination,” he said.

On formula one, Montezemolo vowed to “fight for common sense, for races on circuits (not streets) and to have not more than 19 races, preferably 18″, he revealed.

“And to have three cars. Better to have a third car with a competitive team than a team that cannot even do GP2,” the 63-year-old charged.

“I think it’s common sense and Bernie Ecclestone agrees. Who (would run the third Ferrari)? A small but competitive team.”

Montezemolo hailed 2010 as Mark Webber’s “best season with a competitive car”.

But he played down the possibility of shock personnel changes for 2011, hinting only that “some adjustments” to the team will be announced before the new season.

As for the possibility of his near future being in politics, Montezemolo insisted: “The confidence vote (of the Italian parliament)? No comment.

“Let me do my job,” he added when pressed. “I’m so glad we have many, many things to do here at Ferrari.”

The Italian press has leapt to the defence of Fernando Alonso, following media reports that he has so far refused to congratulate F1′s new world champion Sebastian Vettel.

Widespread German reports in recent days quoted Vettel, whilst on a triumphant return to his hometown Heppenheim last week, as saying “He (Alonso) still has not congratulated me”.

Asked to explain Alonso’s cool, Vettel added: “Someone from Heppenheim took the title from him.”

But a report in Italy’s authoritative daily sports newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport insists that the Ferrari driver “in fact congratulated him (Vettel) repeatedly in the press”.

Alonso said in an interview with the broadcaster Rai that he is already looking ahead.

“There’s definitely a lot of sadness but at the same time thinking that 2011 will arrive soon when we can win as we know we can,” he said.

Alonso said his and Ferrari’s disappointment at missing out on the 2010 title is “normal”.

“It happens when you are second in any sport; Wimbledon, (French Open tennis) Roland Garros, the World Cup, NBA — there is always a feeling of sadness.

“From 2011, I am expecting a lot.  2009 was a difficult year for Ferrari but now we are back in form, the worst is over.”

As for the title winner Vettel, he insisted: “He was the fastest of all, with 10 pole positions and some mechanical problems that took points away from him, but he won in the end.

“Congratulations, but we hope that next year is more difficult for him,” added Alonso.

With just under two weeks until the action resumes in Korea, F1′s title contenders have reverted to the media to step up their sparring.
Lewis Hamilton said recently that “mind games” towards the end of a championship battle is entirely “normal” in formula one.

But it is his own McLaren teammate Jenson Button who fired the first salvo, with help from most major British newspapers who faithfully reproduced his comments.

Most columnists see the Briton’s prediction of a win for Sebastian Vettel over his Red Bull teammate and championship leader Mark Webber as an obvious piling of pressure on the pair.

“Vettel has to beat Mark twice more to be on the same points,” he said. “And going into the last race with equal points, I’d say Vettel has the legs (on Webber) in qualifying,” said Button.

In the Spanish tongue, Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso – who like Vettel is 14 points behind Webber – is also deviating from his usual style of defensive media management to fire a few quotes in Red Bull’s direction.

“They are the favourite for all the remaining circuits and all the ones beforehand,” he is quoted by El Pais newspaper.

“But in 16 races they have only managed three doubles (one-twos), so I doubt they can do three more,” added the Spaniard.

Alonso, a two-time world champion already, is therefore stacking the odds in his favour.

“The most important thing is that the points situation has been coming my way. Now it has to continue.

“There are still three races to go and I know I can do it,” he said.

Italy’s La Stampa quotes him as adding: “Three more podiums should be enough.”

The Ferrari-loving Italian press at large is also in on the action, sensing a tension at Red Bull and noticing that Webber was only present for Vettel’s team victory photo in the form of a cardboard cut-out.

Corriere dello Sport said their apparent reluctance to fight one another at the head of the Suzuka field revealed a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ had been reached.

Spain’s EFE news agency quotes boss Stefano Domenicali as talking up Ferrari’s title chances.

“If we do a better job than them in qualifying, we can beat them on race pace. We knew Suzuka was a difficult circuit for us so it was good to see the result,” he insisted.

“Now the world championship is very, very open. We have three races left in which anything is possible,” added the Italian.

Asked what he needed for success this weekend, Nico Rosberg’s jovial answer might have raised eyebrows within his Mercedes team garage.

“A Red Bull,” laughed the German.

“The car, not the drink,” added Rosberg, musing the dominance of Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber at Suzuka so far while his own W01 looks at least a second off the pace.

Williams’ Rubens Barrichello also predicts an easy margin for the Adrian Newey-inked RB6 car.

“For me, the Red Bulls will be a good half a second in front,” said the Brazilian.

If Ferrari and McLaren are unable to keep up in Japan, pole and victory is therefore likely to be contested by the two Red Bull drivers.

“I find what’s happening incomprehensible,” said Webber’s manager Flavio Briatore in the Italian press, angry that Red Bull is not ordering Vettel to play a Felipe Massa-style supporting role.

Australian Webber’s own needle is more subtle, quietly questioning his teammate’s decision to use a new white helmet livery this weekend.

“He always has bad luck when he uses a new helmet,” Webber joked.

But so far, the 2009 Suzuka pole sitter and winner is once again obviously enjoying the Japanese layout.

“I was running around the track and I thought ‘Why can’t they all be like this?’” smiled Vettel.

Niki Lauda has denied making scathing comments about Ferrari’s likely punishment at the forthcoming World Motor Sport Council disciplinary hearing.

The Italian team angrily bit back at the triple world champion’s apparent prediction that it will “get a pasting” by the FIA for implementing illegal team orders at Hockenheim.

Ferrari’s website columnist had responded by suggesting the Maranello based team’s famous former driver had missed “a fine opportunity to keep his mouth shut”.

Interestingly, 61-year-old Lauda insists that he actually did keep his mouth shut, therefore insinuating that F1′s official website manufactured the interview.

“I’ve never said that stuff,” he is quoted by the Telegraph as having told the Italian press.

“On television I only said that team orders are not good for F1 and for the spectacle, and that a team like Red Bull, by leaving Webber and Vettel free to fight, is doing the right thing.

“Please write that I didn’t do any interview,” he reportedly said in the Italian report.

Ferrari confirmed that Lauda’s denial was made to the Corriere della Sera newspaper.

“I am very pleased Niki has denied making these statements: it shows that fresh air is really good for you!” said the team’s website columnist, who is known as the Horse Whisperer.

The Italian press rounded on Fernando Alonso after the leading Ferrari driver dropped more than 40 points off the championship lead last weekend.

After showing early promise with the F10′s latest upgrades in practice, the team newcomer qualified just tenth at Spa-Francorchamps before being taken out on the first lap by Rubens Barrichello.

Ferrari then fitted intermediate tyres that had to be changed shortly afterwards, before Alonso lost control over a kerb and crashed.

“An Alonso flop. While Kimi Raikkonen always drove brilliantly at Spa, his successor slipped on a puddle,” remarked the Milan-published Il Giornale.

The sports daily La Gazzetta dello Sport said Ferrari’s championship chances “are now gone”.

But that’s not the message being trotted out by the Maranello team’s officials, and La Stampa reports that Ferrari is pressing ahead with development of the car.

In the coming days, a straight line test at Vairano is scheduled.

“In addition to reviewing solutions for Monza, engineers will try to understand why the innovations introduced at Spa-Francorchamps did not work as expected,” said the La Stampa report.

Ferrari acknowledges it is running out of time.

“Everyone in Maranello is aware that if more ground is lost, it could compromise any chance of a comeback,” said the team.

Ferrari’s front wing design has not yet been tested by the FIA at Spa-Francorchamps.

On Friday, the governing body – having introduced a more stringent flexibility test for the Belgian event – declared legal the wings on the McLaren as well as Red Bull’s controversial RB6.

But alongside the Red Bull accusations, there have also been suggestions the Ferrari wing has been bending too much towards the ground at recent grands prix.

“On our part we have not changed anything, we have the same parts (wings) as in Hungary,” Fernando Alonso is quoted by the Italian press.

It is understood that the FIA is planning to test the Ferrari wing at some point on Saturday or Sunday.

At the wheel of the F10, Alonso was quickest in both of Friday’s practice sessions.

“It was definitely a positive day because the car seemed to respond well in all track conditions we encountered,” said the Spaniard.