Zoom Ferrari now in the back foot behind McLaren

Some five million US dollars are reportedly up for grabs as F1 grandees Ferrari and McLaren contest third place in the constructors' world championship at the Abu Dhabi finale next weekend. McLaren moved ahead of Ferrari in Brazil and now hold a one point advantage.

Auto Motor und Sport reports that the team with its nose in front after the season finale stands to win more than just the race numbers 5 and 6 next year as the outcome of the constructors' standings is how the teams' share of the sport's commercial income is divvied up.

"We will have to do all we can to bring home a third place finish in the championship, which we are very keen to do and I am sure that all of us, drivers and team, will do all in our power to try and reach this target," said Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali.

Making the Italian squad's task difficult, however, is the fact that the F60 is clearly now not as competitive as the McLaren, while Giancarlo Fisichella is struggling for pace since replacing Felipe Massa's initial substitute Luca Badoer in September.

"Looking at my experience with Ferrari so far, I don't want to hide that I feel a bit upset," Fisichella said. "I will do my very best to help the team retake this third place which slipped away from us.”

Several million dollars will also separate the prizes enjoyed by team’s further back, with Williams Toyota, BMW Sauber and Renault to fight for sixth place in Abu Dhabi.

E.A. © CAPSIS International
Source: GMM