- Ferrari
Mattiacci denies Alonso opt-out clause
Marco Mattiacci insists there is no clause in Fernando Alonso's contract which would allow the Spaniard to leave Ferrari if it does not finish third in the constructors' championship this season.
Despite it looking likely Alonso and Kimi Raikkonen will remain Ferrari's driver line-up in 2015 for a while now, rumours have persisted that a performance clause could allow the former to leave Maranello at the end of the year. Alonso himself has admitted constant speculation about his future is stressful but Mattiacci does not believe there is any reason for that to continue.
"No, I have no comments and it's not true," Mattiacci told Sky Sports News when asked about the reported clause. "I don't like to comment. What I know is we have contracts with the drivers, they are assets, and I think definitely we need to work altogether to have better cars - so that's our direction."
Ferrari heads to Monza with just two podiums to its name this year and Mattiacci is determined to give the Tifosi something to cheer about after a frustrating 2014.
"[A strong result] is super important. What has impressed me in the last races is that I have seen the passion the fans have for Ferrari. I understand the pain and frustration these fans have been going through for the last few years.
"The car is improving. It definitely has improved in the last two or three races. We are not closing the gap compared to Mercedes but there's a chance we can be just a little bit more competitive."
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