Still plenty to do, says Ferrari chief

VALENCIA, SPAIN // Stefano Domenicali, the Ferrari team principal, has warned his Italian marque they must keep their feet on the ground and their eyes on the ultimate prize after Fernando Alonso's emotional victory at the European Grand Prix.

The brilliant Spanish driver became the first man to win twice this season and has taken a 20-point lead over Mark Webber in the world championship drivers' standings.

But Domenicali believes Alonso's wonderful abilities are masking the fact the car is not as dominant as it should be.

"We need to stay cool and calm," he said after watching the two-time world champion fight through the field from 11th to win in front of his home fans.

"The car is at another level from what we were seeing at the beginning of the season, but it is not yet the car that is the quickest.

"We know what our target is at the end of November and we know that [Red Bull] did something very good this weekend and improved their car," he said.

"We are not, in my view, at the level that we should be in terms of the performance."

The Italian team principal believes Red Bull Racing remain the team to beat.

Mark Webber is second in the championship standings, while teammate Sebastian Vettel, the reigning champion, had a comfortable lead in Sunday’s race before his car’s alternator failed.

"We have a lot to do, but we are leading the championship and that is something that will be very helpful for the people at home to keep working with more creativity and ideas."

gmeenaghan@thenational.ae

Remaining dates on 2012 season

Britain (Silverstone), July 8

Germany (Hockenheim), July 22

Hungary (Budapest), July 29

Belgium (Spa), September 2

Italy (Monza), September 9

Singapore, September 23

Japan (Suzuka), October 7

South Korea (Yeongam), October 14

India (New Delhi), October 28

Abu Dhabi (Yas Marina), November 4