• Brazilian Grand Prix

Ferrari 'fought all the way to the bitter end'

Luca di Montezemolo: "I want to congratulate Fernando on what he has done this year: his season has been simply fantastic" © Sutton Images

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• News:
• Alonso deserved title - Domenicali
  
• Report:
• Vettel secures third title in epic season finale
  

• Race:
• Brazilian Grand Prix

• Drivers:
• Luca di Montezemolo

• Teams:
• Ferrari

Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo said he is "proud" of Ferrari for fighting "all the way to the bitter end" in the drivers' championship.

Fernando Alonso lost out to Sebastian Vettel by just three points after finishing second in Brazil with Vettel back in sixth place. While the Ferrari was not the fastest car at any point of the season, Montezemolo praised both Alonso and team-mate Felipe Massa for both finishing on the podium at Interlagos and getting so close in the championship battle.

"I am proud of my team," Montezemolo said. "We fought all the way to the bitter end, getting both our drivers onto the podium for the final race of the season. When you miss out on the title by the smallest of margins, naturally there is some regret. I want to congratulate Fernando on what he has done this year: his season has been simply fantastic. Felipe drove very well in the second half of the season and demonstrated once again that he is a real team player."

While analysing the rest of the team, Montezemolo praised Ferrari's strategic approach throughout the season but said the car had to improve in 2013.

"I also want to thank Stefano Domenicali and all his colleagues for the work they have done, day after day, to produce a car that, in terms of reliability, was perfect and for what they achieved on track in terms of strategy and the work in the garage. Now we must immediately concentrate on next season, because, right from the start, we must have a car that is competitive at the highest level."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.