Arrivabene confident Ferrari can win on merit this year

Maurizio Arrivabene says he is confident there are venues amongst the seven grands prix left on the 2016 Formula One calendar where Ferrari has a chance to win a race on merit.

Coming off a strong 2015 campaign that saw it take three victories, the Scuderia has experienced a frustrating year and has yet to return to winning ways.

Ferrari even slipped behind Red Bull in the hunt to overhaul Mercedes, though recent performances at Spa and Monza showed the Maranello-based outfit back on an upward trajectory.

Asked whether he believed Ferrari can challenge on performance for the top step of the podium by the end of the season, Arrivabene replied: “At certain tracks for sure we are going to have the chance. In other places, we can fight really really hard. But I’m confident that we can make it.”

With 2017’s rules revolution looming ever closer, Arrivabene adds that Ferrari has the required tools to develop next year’s challenger while chasing wins in 2016.

“We have been working on [the 2017 project] for a couple of months now, as everybody is doing because you have completely new rules, completely new aero.

“And don’t forget about the new engine regulations, because without the tokens, you have the freedom to develop the [power unit]. All the company is moving forward in that direction, without forgetting 2016.

“We have the resources, we have the money, and finally we have the people. We have to do it.”

This weekend's Singapore Grand Prix sees Ferrari return to the scene of its most recent win, with Vettel claiming victory at Marina Bay Circuit 12 months ago.

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