Alonso: Title challenge is a must

Double World Champion determined to fight back in 2012

Last Updated: February 3, 2012 2:50pm

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Fernando Alonso: Says he feels a great responsibility driving a Ferrari

Sky Bet

Fernando Alonso has insisted that Ferrari must fight for the world titles this season as they seek to put a difficult 2011 behind them.

The Scuderia finished a distant third in the Constructors' Championship last year, with Alonso claiming their only victory at Silverstone.

Ferrari were hampered by an inability to get heat into their Pirelli tyres in qualifying, with their woes leading to the fall of technical director Aldo Costa.

He was replaced by former McLaren man Pat Fry, who stated at the time of his appointment that one of Ferrari's shortfalls was their design approach.

Fry said they needed to be more aggressive - with the resulting F2012 launched on Friday.

"(The car) looks very different from what we have seen in the past two years," Alonso said of the new car, which features a 'boxer' nose.

Speaking via weblink, the double World Champion added: "I am going to start with the same strength, determination. I want to do great.

"Of course it will be quite competitive for the whole season, but we want to see red cars on the podium. We start next week in Jerez and we keep working together. I am sure we will do well this year.

"I really believe in the skills we have here in Ferrari. We have to be optimistic. We have two months to get ready for the first race in Australia.

"We have to fight for this title, we have to get as many points as possible at every race.

"We want to win the Drivers' and the Constructors' Championships. I'm sure we will be able to get great targets even if I feel great responsibility driving a Ferrari."

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Great effort

Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali is confident the Spaniard and his team-mate Felipe Massa will produce the desired results.

"I am sure our team will deliver a great effort," Domenicali said.

"For Fernando I don't have to add anything about his skill. In a difficult time last year he extended his relationship with us for many years, so this shows his responsibility.

"Felipe has been here 10 seasons in F1, always with a Ferrari (engine), always with us. A great, great talent and I am sure this year, after a difficult season, he will show his great value for himself and the whole team."