Ferrari chairman Sergio Marchionne insists that Sebastian Vettel’s dominant Singapore Grand Prix performance is “not just a one-off”.
The German took a convincing lights-to-flag win at Marina Bay Circuit, while team-mate Kimi Raikkonen made it two Ferrari drivers on the podium for the first time since the 2013 Spanish contest.
“Congratulations to everyone involved in this fantastic victory,” said Marchionne. “Sebastian Vettel drove like a real champion and everyone on the team, both on the track and back home in Maranello, did an absolutely perfect job.
“I’m also delighted for Kimi Raikkonen. It is wonderful to see him back on the podium too. It has been too long since two Ferrari drivers were in the first three across the line.”
Perhaps more important for Ferrari was the emphatic manner in which it prevailed against title rivals Mercedes. While also acquired on merit, Maranello’s first two wins of the season had come after making a better strategy call (in Malaysia) and capitalising on their opponents’ mistakes (at Budapest).
By comparison, Vettel – along with former Red Bull team-mate Daniel Ricciardo – was on a league of his own at Singapore, and never came under pressure from either Lewis Hamilton or Nico Rosberg.
Marchionne now claims this was not a flash in the pan, but an important milestone on the path to recovery.
“This was a major victory on a difficult circuit and I’d like to dedicate it to all our tifosi who have been so steadfast in their affection and support.
“On behalf of everyone in Ferrari, I promise them this race is not just a one-off but a huge step forward on our road back to staying at the top and hearing the Italian national anthem played a lot more often.”
Vettel still occupies third position in the 2015 Drivers' standings but the four-time world champion has cut the gap to Hamilton to 49 points, while fellow countryman Rosberg is only 8 points ahead.
REPORT: Vettel takes third win as Hamilton retires in Singapore
AS IT HAPPENED: 2015 Singapore Grand Prix
Click here for some of the most memorable crashes at Singapore
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