• Abu Dhabi Grand Prix - Ferrari

Alonso admits Ferrari struggling in Abu Dhabi

ESPN Staff
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Fernando Alonso admits Ferrari was genuinely off the pace during practice for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

With neither Ferrari ending the first session in the top ten, the competitiveness only slightly improved in FP2 as Alonso was eighth quickest and Felipe Massa tenth. After the end of Friday's running Alonso said it was a reflection of Ferrari's standing but that the team needed to work out if it has the potential to make gains.

"Compared to other Fridays, today we were a bit less competitive than usual and now we need to work out if that is down to the fact that the track characteristics do not suit our car, or if it's a question of set-up," Alonso said. "The tyres work better here than in India, where they suffered a lot from blistering in the fast corners, while here they are better, especially at night when the temperature drops."

Referring to Mercedes, Alonso said it would be a tall order for Ferrari to challenge it in the race.

"Unfortunately, in performance terms, we are behind our rivals for second place in the Constructors' classification. Compared to the start of the year, they have improved and will be difficult to beat, but tomorrow we will make some changes and will do our utmost because we absolutely don't want to give up the fight."

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