Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsFerrari

Ferrari no better than before - Alonso

Fernando Alonso says Ferrari is no closer to winning a world title than when he was with the team.

For many, Alonso jumped from the frying pan into the fire when the Spaniard left Ferrari last year for McLaren-Honda. There is no doubt Alonso aspired to clinching a fourth title upon his return to Woking, and would never have imagined, even in his worst nightmare, that McLaren would merely be making up the numbers in 2015, enduring the worst season in its long Formula 1 history.

Looking at the upturn in performance of his former team this year, and its competitive showing on home turf this weekend in Monza, it was worth asking the Spanish driver how he viewed Ferrari's current status.

"Compared to us, they are doing really well," Alonso acknowledged. "But compared to the five years when we were together, they are not doing any better.

"With Ferrari, we led the championship several times here at Monza. Now, they are 100 points behind Mercedes. So congratulations on what they are doing, but I don't think they should be happy today being 100 points behind Mercedes."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.