Ferrari Sees Championship Chance in Monte Carlo

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has not had historic success at the Monaco Grand Prix, which celebrates its 70th anniversary this year. It has won there eight times since 1950, but Fernando Alonso was second in last year's race. The team also sees the second place finish at the Spanish Grand Prix encouraging. Ferrari Chairman Luca di Montezemolo has written an open letter to the team spurring them forward as well, and technical director Pat Fry discussed the team's prospects in Monaco. 

Di Montezemolo sees a chance at the championship in Monaco. Fernando Alonso is currently tied with Sebastian Vettel for the lead of the drivers' championship with 61 points. 

“The Championship is in our own hands,” said di Montezemolo

The letter from di Montezemolo tells the team that they have a real chance at the championship after five races. He asks for the best from the team and needles Felipe Massa a little bit that he needs to perform better. 

“A series of circumstances and the work done here to improve the car, as well as Alonso’s great ability, has led to us leading the Championship after five rounds. We must capitalize on that, with each one of us giving our very best at home and at the race track, including Massa who must bring home the results we expect from him. I know from Domenicali, with whom I am in constant contact, how hard all of you are working. Of this I am sure, also because winning the Championship depends only and exclusively on ourselves: on our ability, our creativity, our determination and our desire to show that we are the best," said di Montezemolo in the letter. 

Ferrari made its F1 debut at the Monaco GP in 1950

© photo courtesy of: Ferrari

Ferrari is not planning any upgrades to the car between the Spanish Grand Prix and Canadian Grand Prix because of the unique challenge Monte Carlo brings. The track is all about downforce, and the most powerful car does not necessarily win. The car also has be neutral. 

“You have to set the car up quite differently for Monaco. On the street circuit you don’t attack all the corner entries as hard as you would on a normal circuit, because the barriers are so close to the track at the entry and exit. However, trying to get the right car balance is as difficult as at the other venues," said Fry. 

Ferrari's updates after the mid-season test at Mugello changed the  front wing, floor, turning vanes, brake ducts and a new rear wing. It says that it increased the car's aerodynamic grip, which should be positive for Monaco. 

Ferrari is also hinting at its pit stop strategy. Fry says that a careful driver could get by on two stops from this season's Pirelli tires, but if he pushes them too hard, three stops will be necessary. 

In the future, Ferrari is planning another new wing package for the Canadian Grand Prix, and they are working on a new exhaust layout that may debut in Montreal.