Ferrari needs Alonso to take a Schumi role

Ferrari team boss Stefano Domenicali admits the Italian marque is hoping Fernando Alonso can fill the void left by Michael Schumacher, something Kimi Raikkonen could not do.

Although Raikkonen won the World title with Ferrari in his first season at Maranello, the Finn's performances over the past two seasons have left a lot to be desired by those working for Ferrari.

Whether it be an under-performing car or a lack of motivation, Raikkonen was unable to lift Ferrari to the heights previously achieved under Schumacher's reign.

As such, the Italian marque opted to part ways with the Finn, signing Alonso as his replacement. And Domenicali has high hopes for the Spaniard.

"Ferrari needs someone in the team who is similar to Schumi," he told Auto Bild.

"(Raikkonen) is very fast. In a car capable of winning he was and is perfect. But if the car needs to be developed and the team inspired, Alonso is better."

But while Alonso may bring something in terms of speed and development, the Spaniard has a rocky reputation in Formula One thanks to his brief spell at McLaren.

Despite signing a multi-year contract with the Woking team, Alonso stayed at McLaren for just one season after tension between himself and his team boss Ron Dennis as well as himself and team-mate Lewis Hamilton resulted in a mutual parting of ways.

Domenicali, though, is confident Alonso won't have the same problems when he joins Ferrari and teams up with Felipe Massa.

"I have spoken with Fernando about his problems with McLaren. He felt cheated and it admits it was not always right with his relationship with Lewis," he said.

"At Maranello this week will not happen."

Source: 'Ferrari needs Alonso to take a Schumi role' - Planet-F1 News - from planet-f1.com