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The Ferrari driver Fernando Alonso was upbeat in an act of Banco Santander despite the engine problems he has suffered his car at the start of the season and admitted that his arrival at the Italian team has made him enjoy driving again.

“I enjoy driving again and feel the itch to win,” he said of his move to Ferrari. The Spaniard praised the car that drives this season: “The F10 is the best car I’ve ever driven, but in F1 you can always improve.” And he was blunt to ensure: “We will reach the Red Bull.”

The Spaniard made it clear he is not worried about the problems he has suffered from engine: “The car I see it has been great during the first few races, but for some reason or another we could not make all the points we wanted. I we’ll have a great car in Barcelona and I’m certainly worried. ”

provide a win to the fans ”

“The problems we have had motor are located: it is nothing of the valve system or the engine air intake, as has been written. Montemeló and try to reach the remainder of the championship with a hundred motor one hundred reliable, “said Alonso. “The Ferrari mechanics are very confident to have solved the problems and hope that the fans had a great time and has very good atmosphere, as always”, he added.

The double world champion hopes to get the win at Montmelo: “Hopefully we can bring home a win for the fans. We are working for both the F and other news duct ready for Barcelona. This system is not simple.”

“I have high regard and respect all my rivals. A few can be left more room than others. It’s time to show who is to win the World Cup and who is not. Start a good fight now,” he said.

About Michael Schumacher, Fernando Alonso of praise: “We have enormous respect for Schumacher. It is true he has not done better start to the season but the best Michael is coming and we know what he is capable.”

Alonso denied that Britain’s Lewis Hamilton has privileges at the World Formula 1: “No I think Hamilton have any kind of privilege.”

Finally, would not comment anything about the overtaking he did to Felipe Massa at the Chinese Grand Prix: “I do not know either very well what he said, but what is clear is that 15 days after a race can no longer talking about important things so minute, so I’m going to refuse to answer. “

Michael Schumacher’s return to the ‘big tent’ does not seem convinced by the time most of the fans of Formula 1. The German champions discreet boot is failing motor enthusiasts, especially those compatriots ‘Kaiser’.

And more than 60 percent of compatriots Michael considered and at this point in the season, after four races, the return of seven-times world champion has not been a good decision.

That is the main conclusion that emerges from a survey ised by ‘Promit’, which specializes in market research surveys and based in Dortmund, and published Thursday by the German news agency ‘SID’.

63.3 percent of respondents have not hesitated to describe the return of Schumacher to the circuits as “a mistake” and only 33.5 percent of respondents shed a positive opinion on the return of the ‘Kaiser’ to Formula 1 at 41.

Many feel let down
The truth is that the expectations generated by the return of German champions were highest at start of the championship and now, after four Grands Prix contested, many people feel disappointed with Michael, especially considering that so far his work MercedesGP is being overshadowed by the excellent start to the season of his teammate and compatriot Nico Rosberg second in the standings.

To throw even more fuel to the fire on this whole subject, Jos Verstappen, Schumacher’s teammate at the time as a driver for the Benetton team, wanted to jump on the bandwagon of the criticism of the German champions. “What we’re seeing now is that Michael is an ordinary man of flesh and bone, which is no longer able to do magic,” published in his newspaper column last Netherlands ‘De Telegraaf’. “Maybe you have lost your ability to drive during the three years he has been retired,” he adds.

Ecclestone, in defense of the ‘Kaiser’
For its part, the boss of Formula 1, Bernie Ecclestone has warned that a few days ago should not be underestimated for a champion like Schumacher, despite its first results after three years of retirement were not expected.

“Right now would not underestimate Michael. Must be given time to adapt to his new car and new tires. I would never have come back from not convinced you can do well. Not a tourist in the paddock and is here to win, “said the ruler of the ‘big tent’ told ‘Formula1.com.”

British businessman believes that those who criticize the seven times world champion are “wrong” and that is being overtaken by Rosberg is because the latter has “very talented” and Michael “was on vacation the last three years.”

The Ferrari engine is causing more headaches than expected at the start of the championship. In the offseason it was feared that the consumption would be the Achilles Heel of the propeller, but in the end are other faults that are sowing of concern to the team. We have three races and both Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa have already had to use three different engines. And what is worse, after the failure of Sunday in the case of Spanish, you must use the room at the next meeting of China.

The problem is not minor, since the regulation allows eight engine changes during the season, and if there is one more change is penalized with ten places on the grid. And from then on as many times as they occur. In Shanghai, Alonso and take four tests in the absence of fifteen. The average is worrying. The engines are changed, if you manage, you can still be used for free practice, which limits the mileage of new but not entirely prevent its use.

In all cases, Ferrari has had to change the unit as a precaution. From the first time in Bahrain, the substitutions have been motivated by sensors and telemetry results that have advised. Most worrisome is that in Kuala Lumpur has happened twice.

A Fernando already changed the engine after free practice on Friday and the race yesterday substitute melted. Two in the same test. Three if you count Felipe Massa. also after practice Friday, and five if we add the two of Sauber, which prevented out to Pedro de la Rosa and end at Kamui Kobayashi. A bad mark for the propeller.

Ferrari kept secret on grounds of being the only team which has already been three changes and goes for four. Mercedes and McLaren have two with the same engine in both cars, the same as Sebastian Vettel in his Renault by just one of Mark Webber. Neither the new Cosworth, serving the four teams in addition to Williams debutantes show many signs of weakness.

Cooling problems, extra consumption, lower reliability … various theories circulating, but the Italian team would not confirm any. Although not hide his concern: “We had a couple of reliability issues that should serve as a warning. If we want to claim the title must fix this,” Stefano Domenicali said yesterday, responsible for the Scuderia.

Ross Brawn could be considered as the real architect of his retirement have taken Michael Schumacher, recovering the ‘Kaiser’ for the grid of Formula 1 to the wheel of a Mercedes car GP.

The head of world champion team last year, Mercedes sold Brawn GP to stay on as athletic director from the same team under a new name, is clearly betting on the seven-time world champion has its risks.

“Of course there is a risk, but is such that we were both happy to take. It was an emotional decision and no one has repented a single moment,” Brawn admitted in an interview to the official website of the championship.

Mercedes GP director says that his disciple is pending at any time during the course of the car’s computer. “Michael works directly with engineers and technicians. I oversee and I hear the debates, and I add, when I feel a need to clarify something. ‘Schumi’ works very hard with the engineers and technicians, and we’re getting a great help” he said.

Mercedes times
According to the latest from testing, the lap times seem to suggest that GP Mercedes Mercedes is a second off the pace of Ferrari and McLaren, a circumstance that does not worry the ‘chief of the team.

“I do not think this is a second. You have to look into the details of what has been done. I think we’re competitive. We’re not exactly where we want to be yet, but we do not think a second. That is the nature of our business, “Brawn hue.

Fernando Alonso was “satisfied” with the result that the day of testing conducted Friday Ferrari in Jerez, where the Spaniard was able to perform extensive work on a dry track.

The Spanish driver, who did 132 laps at the track and had the second fastest time of the day (1:20.115), after Red Bull’s Australian Mark Webber (1:19.299), said on Ferrari’s official website that ” results are positive, “because this long session on a dry track has helped him become better acquainted with the new car.

“I’m happy because we have done many miles short. The result is positive because we could learn more about the new car. One can say that, step by step, we approach the one hundred percent,” he said.

“Also my place in the team is improving every day, like my feeling with the F10,” said Alonso, who hoped that the day Saturday, which completed its testing in Jerez, is also in good weather , which, according to weather forecasts, will be well in the morning, more unstable.

Alguersuari and Pedro Martínez de la Rosa commanded the third day of Formula 1 qualifying taking place at the Jerez circuit in a day in which he made an appearance again in the rain.

Hardly had one hour of real activity on the track. It was the time it gave the pilots meteorology. At that time, the two Spanish pilots made several short runs, probably with little fuel, which managed to make the best of times.

De la Rosa was the first to break the record of Massa, the early risers of all and he opened the timesheets. Then download it again until she fell in 1:20.736. Did not last long the first place because Alguersuari beat him with a 1:19.919, the second of the whole week off of 1:20.

Shortly afterwards the rain and the pilots took refuge in their garages. Only showed up in court for recognition and spin and check the status of it. The bravest was Rubens Barrichello, but despite being one of the most experienced of the grid in wet conditions, ended in the gravel at turn Angel Nieto.

The pilots took to the track a few times and just doing laps, but Barrichello, who was trying to complete 120 laps in the rain with all types of tires. The problem was that it did not rain enough to put on intermediate tires, but neither is the track to run on the dry end of the day unless it rained thoroughly.

The weather did not improve throughout the day, so that we can not draw broad conclusions. The only slightly positive for Ferrari was that Massa managed to be the fastest prominently in the rain without so much intensity. The F10 shot in time of 1:27 when the rest did it in 1:30 or more. For this Sunday announcing dry, though not certain.

So were the times:
1. Alguersuari (Toro Rosso) 1:19.919 (76 laps)
2. Pedro Martínez de la Rosa (Sauber) 1:20.736 (58)
3. Adrian Sutil (Force India) 1:21.428 (48)
4. Felipe Massa (Ferrari) 1:21.603 (72)
5. Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull) 1:21.783 (59)
6. Vitaly Petrov (Renault) 1:22.000 (68)
7. Nico Rosberg (GP Mercedes) 1:22.820 (51)
8. Rubens Barrichello (Williams) 1:23.217 (120)
9. Lewis Hamilton (Team McLaren) 1:23.985 (68)
10. Lucas di Grassi (Virgin) 1:37.107 (8)

Laurent Restaurant, just steps from the Champs Elysees, located in a former hunting lodge, was the scene where Jean Todt first met a select group of media among which was BRAND. It was the first time that Todt spoke to reporters after 100 days of the FIA. “On day 1 marked 100 days of my appointment as President of the FIA and I have not granted any interviews. I wanted to break my silence, “said Todt, blue tie, knitted vest and jacket, with fingernails covered with tape to not eat them and wanted to talk and explain their project to the FIA.

The first half hour was dedicated to the president to review the various activities of the FIA outside sports, such as reducing by half the more than million and half dead on the roads. “The FIA is not only racing, is the environment, roads, security, plenty of things to go unnoticed. Helping to save lives is our main goal, “said Todt.

After his long introduction, went on: F1. First, the economy. “F1 must reduce costs at any price. It is unacceptable that about eight seconds to win a GP2 the budget is crazy, “said Todt (the budget of a GP2 team is 3 million and the F1 up to about 300).

To avoid misunderstanding, clarify that Todt would not come to the FIA or because he earns more money than Ferrari and Peugeot and for being so long as it was Mosley (16). “To me it seems too be more than 8 or 10. I have great passion for the automobile, both sporting and industrial and I think I can do a great job. Things will change only if it improves, “he said.

The F1 is still the center of world attention and the window of the FIA and Todt also want it to be the showcase of technological advances. “F1 should be the standard of environmental friendliness, sustainability and might not spend 80 l/100 km, is madness. The rules of this year I think will be good for that, because the lower power engine will give a significant advantage, which is estimated at about 3 or 4 tenths per 10 kilos less fuel on board. The F1 has to look at the F2 or the GP2 and adjust their budgets, “he said.

Fernando Alonso did not disappoint in its coming-out with Ferrari. The Spanish rider was fastest in the Cheste circuit to make the best record in the three days of practice to stop the chronometer in 1:11.470. Second was Pedro Martínez de la Rosa and third Michael Schumacher, with Alguersuari in fourth place.

Maximum forward to see Alonso in Chester

It was Alonso’s day and the reigning world champion responded to expectations in a circuit in which there were 36,400 people and where there were traffic jams of up to 11 km in its vicinity to arrive. It was ten o’clock in the morning when it came to most desired. Fernando took the F10 and gave a lap of appreciation and then return to the pits. It was the first touchdown. Then he gave his first stint, where was downhill all the time, surprisingly for someone who opens with a new car.

In sets of 10 laps with breaks of no more than 20 minutes, Alonso times 1:12 rondeau always low. Even exceeded by up to six times the best time of Felipe Massa won the previous day. It was around 12 am when he beat first Brazilian record with a time of 1:11.709. Then, at 13:45 pm, returned to surpass himself with which, ultimately, was the best record 1:11:470.

Good day for De la Rosa and Alguersuari
They are also good to see two other Spanish. De la Rosa, who led for a few minutes practice, setting the second fastest time despite the car came to stop in the middle of the track. Alguersuari, meanwhile, became third. It was a historic moment for our country because for the first time three Spanish riders led a rating of times, if only it were some workouts.

Schumacher, soft started, ended this magical moment. He started off his day to register third and oust Alguersuari, thus establishing the first four in perpetuity. World champion, Jenson Button, who made his debut for McLaren, showed he still has a long way to go to the wheel of the MP4-25.

Loaded with fuel
It was a day with a large audience in the stands. Nobody wanted to miss the debut of Alonso. Even many celebrities who came to greet the Spanish drivers like Carlos Sainz, President of the Generalitat Valenciana Francisco Camps, or Valencia goalkeeper Cesar.

In the afternoon session focused more on testing the fuel-laden cars to suit a different type of driving and in which to stem also changes. Do not forget that this year you can not refuel during the race and so the driver wants to adjust to this new rule. Hence, the records were worse, and except in the final straight in to try to empty shells fall times, as did the Russian Vitaly Petrov-R30 with the thing did not dare.

What is clear is that Fernando Alonso will fight for the championship this year, which so far is better than teammate and, today, Ferrari is ahead of other teams.

The times in the third and final practice session:
1. Fernando Alonso (Ferrari) 1:11.470 (127 laps)
2. Peter M.de la Rosa (Sauber) 1:12.094 (80)
3. Michael Schumacher (Mercedes) 1:12.438 (82)
4. Alguersuari (Toro Rosso) 1:12.576 (97)
5. Jenson Button (McLaren) 1:12.951 (82)
6. Vitaly Petrov (Renault) 1:13.097 (75)
7. Nico Hulkenberg (Williams) 1:13.669 (126)

The Mercedes team was presented as the “selection of the German Formula 1″ in allusion to the nationality of its two pilots, seven-times world Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg, and also that of the traditional brand of automobiles, which expects to reissue era of the famous fireball of silver.

The president of the consortium Daimler, Dieter Zetsche, referred to this sense of German national team in Formula 1 to present the design of new generation cars in the Mercedes museum in Stuttgart: “Now we list the German team in Formula 1. A little national pride is legitimate. ”

The goal of the team is clear: the world title. It’s unclear what made Schumacher: “Our goal and our mission is to become world champions.” However, he preferred to err on the safe Zetsche and stressed that long-term goals do not necessarily have to be met in the first season. “We have a clearly defined objective that is to be world champions, but that does not mean they have to achieve in the first year. We are a team again. Give us some time.”

A little while Schumacher and Rosberg also need to start testing their cars, they will not be ready until Sunday, a day before the start of the official test at Valencia. The first to jump on the new car will Rosberg.

The bank appears next to the white coat and repainting of the wings, something almost unheard of. They are only the official colors, the Model 2010, the 28th.

Banco Santander sweeping the new Ferrari, presented Wednesday to the media in his new official colors. To view the 2010 car design will have to wait to January 28. What will not change now is that the team will be more Spanish than ever, not only by Fernando Alonso, but also by the large bank’s presence in the car. Rarely in history had cornered a brand so much attention on Ferrari’s new weapon, displacing even the ‘title sponsor’ such as Marlboro, which maintains the exclusivity of the bonnet.

Santander The word appears in the rear wing and the striker, who will be white, something that had not happened since the ’70s, except a slight incursion into the 90s. The brand is also present in the deflectors under the hill, in the rearview mirror and on the pontoons. Furthermore, it appears next to ‘cavallino’, which is an almost unprecedented novelty. Literally, where he is photographed by shooting, the Spanish bank leaves portrayed, a successful negotiation of bank marketing.

Banco Santander will provide the 40 million over 5 years (200 in total) and will sponsor the races in England, Germany and Italy, while it is second sponsor of Brazil and two in Spain.