Alonso: Ferrari up to the challenge

Fernando Alonso says Ferrari will be up to the challenge of fighting at the top this year, as the Italian squad unveiled its new car for the 2011 season.

The Spanish driver lost the 2010 title in the final race despite going into it as hot favourite for the crown.

Alonso admitted nonetheless that his first year at Ferrari could be considered a big success.

But the two-time champion said he is eager for more success this year, and is adamant Ferrari is ready to fight for the titles again.

"I am really motivated, really excited," said Alonso during the launch of the F150. "2010 was an incredible year for me, the first year with Ferrari and I discovered a wonderful team, wonderful environment and really passionate for a driver.

"And 2011 will be an important moment, with a new challenge, changes in the regulations and also the drivers have to adapt to the new driving style and the recovery of KERS for instance. It will be a new year, a difficult year and we will have a lot to learn.

"But this new car is the fruit of the result of many months of work of our mechanics, engineers and people working for Ferrari, and it's important to prepare for the new season. We have to commit completely in what we do and we are ready. We are up to the challenge."

The Spaniard, who joined Ferrari from Renault at the start of last year, believes his second season at the team will be easier, as he is already adapted to it.

"Undoubtedly I think I know the team better now, I know the names of the mechanics something I didn't last year because the beginning of the year was not easy for me so I am far more integrated in the team and the feeling that has been carried out through 2010 contributed to the creation of the new one, which is more comfortable and I think that I will feel that it will be easier for me to adapt to this new car and I hope it will be as strong as it is beautiful."

And he is confident he will be able to start the season in strong fashion, as he admitted the pressure to win the title has not changed.

"We always feel pressure when you race for Ferrari, especially for me," he added. "I had a difficult year and it is always important to feel excited to start the new year so I would like to start a profitable year with results I am confident we will do that with the new car."