Montezemolo hails Ferrari's fightback

Although the Maranello squad endured a series of difficult races after a promising start to the season, it has fought back by raising its game in the last few events.

Fernando Alonso is now 20 points behind championship leader Mark Webber with seven races to go.

Di Montezemolo said that was the Ferrari team he wanted to see.

"It was a very busy July, which ended in a very nice way for us," said di Montezemolo on Ferrari's website.

"Especially when you look at where we are today, compared to one month ago. For this, I wish to thank our entire workforce, because they put in so much effort to achieve these results.

"The engineers put their heads down and worked on improving the car and the drivers did a great job: Fernando got an amazing start and very nearly managed to take the lead at the first corner, while Felipe brought home a significant points haul, in what was a special race for him, one year on from his accident."

The Italian admitted there was regret for some of the missed chances earlier in the season, but said the important thing was to be in the championship fight.

"It's true that earlier in the season we have wasted great opportunities and there is still regret for some perplexing decisions, but we must look ahead and believe in the fact that today, we are in the fight for the championship," he added.

"This is the Ferrari I like to see and the one our fans want to see: a team that can fight and deliver the results.

"We must continue like this and then see where we are at the end. We know we must work even harder and with determination on the development of the car, but our people don't need me to tell them that."