Zoom A podium result, but Ferrari some way off the leading pace

Ferrari is on the cusp of abandoning development of the F60 challenger in favour of focusing exclusively on next year's project, it was reported on Monday.

Italy's ANSA news agency reported that even though Felipe Massa secured a rare podium position for the team with the 2009 car at the Nurburgring, its ongoing development is on the verge of being scrapped entirely.

Team boss Stefano Domenicali is reportedly alarmed that despite efforts to improve the car, its competitors are making ‘giant steps’ in comparison.

"This is especially the case with Red Bull which has made extraordinary progress and can now make a serious title bid," he is quoted as saying. "But significant progress has also been made by Toyota, Renault, McLaren and Force India, our chief rivals for third place in the constructors' championship. ”

Ferrari now trails Toyota in the constructors' standings by just 2.5 points but Domenicali indicated the more important consideration may be in regards to the 2010 campaign.

"It is no secret to anyone that we are going to have to take a long, hard look at where we are and where we want to go," the Italian admitted. "The car's performance this weekend varied too greatly and its limits, especially in regard to grip, were all to evident."

E.A. © CAPSIS International
Source: GMM