Alonso: Ferrari is safest bet
Alonso was disappointed with his result in Abu Dhabi
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Monday, 02, Nov 2009 10:40
By Adam Leveridge
Double world champion Fernando Alonso said going to Ferrari in 2010 is the safest bet for him, despite a disappointing result for Maranello in 2009.
The Spaniard said he knows Ferrari will give their best and he is sure the team will be at the front end of the field next year, despite only managing fourth in the constructors' championship and clinching just one race victory this season.
"You have to try to be optimistic by nature," Alonso told Cadena ser radio.
"I think what makes me calm is that going to Ferrari is a synonym of quietness, because you know they are giving their best.
"It's a team and a marque born for competition and so you know they are going to give it all for their car, and you know that Ferrari is usually among the first.
"Sometimes they win titles, sometimes they don't, but they never have a year that's too bad. I think going to Ferrari is the safest option for any driver.
"Out of the 20 to 22 drivers no one knows what things will be like next year, it's all again a big question mark and we'll see how the new cars perform.
"But I think being at Ferrari, or McLaren, or in good teams, gives you more peace of mind than at any other team because anything can happen."
Alonso said he believes he will form a strong partnership with Felipe Massa next year.
"All I heard from the team is that he is completely recovered and that he will be my team-mate. I think together we can have a very strong team," said Alonso.
"Massa has shown he is a very fast driver, that he has grown up a lot in the two or three years and I think we can challenge the strongest teams like McLaren or Red Bull."
The Spaniard was disappointed not to have scored points in his final race with the Renault team, with whom he won both of his world titles in 2005 and 2006.
In a statement released after the Abu Dhabi grand prix, Alonso said: "The result today is disappointing as we were not able to produce the performance we wanted.
"I would have liked to finish the season on a high, especially as this was my last race with Renault. I would like to thank the entire team for everything that we have achieved together over the years.
"We had some great victories and won championships together. It has been the most amazing seven years of my career and something I will never forget."