I haven't met the new boss, admits Alonso

Image
AFP Shanghai
Last Updated : Apr 17 2014 | 3:28 PM IST
Fernando Alonso paid tribute Thursday to former Ferrari team boss Stefano Domenicali, who sensationally quit this week, and admitted that he had not even spoken to the new man at the helm.
Domenicali stepped down on Monday, after a torrid start to the season, culminating most recently in the team's drivers trailing in ninth and 10th in Bahrain two weeks ago.
"Stefano is a great man, first of all, and I am a close friend of his -- that is no secret," said Alonso in a press conference ahead of Sunday's Chinese Grand Prix.
"We still have a close relationship, we have been talking throughout the week, and that will continue because we have known each other for many years," added the two-time world champion.
He was replaced by Marco Mattiacci, former president and CEO of Ferrari North America, and Alonso confessed he knew little about his new boss, who was absent from the circuit on Thursday.
Alonso added that he did not even know if Mattiacci would turn up in Shanghai for the weekend.
However, team sources indicated to AFP that Mattiacci was flying in on Thursday night and is due to meet his team for the first time on Friday.
Nevertheless Alonso stressed that it was paramount to support the new boss and move forward. "We need to give him time and get the team behind him," he said.
"We are really hoping that he will be successful and everyone is looking forward.
*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Apr 17 2014 | 3:28 PM IST

Next Story