Ferrari seek more pace to fight for wins

BUDAPEST, Aug 1, 2011 (AFP) - Ferrari plan to find the extra pace they need to improve their qualifying performances - and then fight for wins for the rest of this year's Formula One world title race.

Team chief Stefano Domenicali said after seeing two times champion Spaniard Fernando Alonso finish third in Sunday's Hungarian Grand Prix that a tweak in form for the Q3 session is their target.

He said: "I think that we have now a situation where from the performance in the race we are all there. This weekend, in terms of the absolute result, there were a lot of things that could have changed the outcome.

"But in terms of performance - in qualifying, we have to improve Q3 because there is something that is still not there. The race pace is not too bad at all, and for these conditions (cool and wet), the weather is perfect for the McLaren cars and the McLaren drivers.

"But if you look at the last four races in different conditions, always difficult, Fernando was the one that had more points than everyone else. Now we just need that final piece to make the progress."

One thing is certain: Ferrari as improved enormously when compared to early on the season. The F150 Italia looks more competitive and that has been reflected lately.

Fernando Alonso has been into the podium for fourth consecutive race. In this span the Spaniard won a race with two second places finishes and a third.

If the team manages to get the most of the car for qualifying and keep working as they are, thing will get more complicated for Red Bull.