Montezemolo: I hope that it is not true that we are going to suffer

Mar.7 (GMM) Ferrari big boss Luca di Montezemolo has reacted with alarm as leading figures in the Italian team have conceded that the F2012 will not be a podium contender at the start of the 2012 season next weekend in Melbourne.

Despite a media ban, Fernando Alonso warned that he expects to "suffer" initially this year due to the famous Maranello team needing to better understand it's complex new F2012 car.

It is that comment that has raised the alarm of Ferrari's charismatic president Montezemolo.

"I hope that it is not true that we are going to suffer at the beginning, although Alonso is always very objective.

"I would like to understand why and above all understand how we can very quickly make the necessary changes," he reportedly said at the Geneva Motor Show.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, he pointed his finger at the current regulations.

"I don't like this F1," said the 64-year-old. "The aerodynamics count for 90 per cent and only the KERS makes developments possible that can be used in the production of road cars."

This week team principal Stefano Domenicali and technical director Pat Fry have downplayed their chances for Melbourne, as they attempt to manage expectations.

Domenicali said, “It’s obvious that we can’t be happy with how the test went considering our goals, but let’s not forget that the Championship has [yet] to start.”

Fry stated after the final pre-season test in Barcelona, "In the hunt for the podium in Melbourne? At the moment I’d say 'no'. We are disappointed with the performance level seen at these tests and I think we have a lot of work ahead of us."

F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone, meanwhile, is backing Ferrari to recover.

"I am convinced they will rise again soon and that a preliminary assessment can only be made after the first two or three (races)," he reportedly told Sky.

"I similarly think that McLaren will fight for the title. They could be the real surprise and it is already clear from the tests that they are very competitive," added the sport's chief executive.