Fernando Alonso 'sure' Ferrari will be strong during 2012 F1 season

Fernando Alonso is sure Ferrari will be strong during the 2012 season as the Maranello squad unveiled its 2012 car on Friday.

Alonso won just one race in the 2011 season in a disappointing year for the Italian team, which is aiming to return to championship-winning ways this year.

Two-time champion Alonso is upbeat about his prospects for the season ahead after the launch of the F2012 car.

"It looks very different from what we have seen in the last two years," said Alonso about the car, which features a radical platypus-style nose similar to that used by Caterham.

"My third season at Ferrari and I am going to start with the same strength and determination. I want to do great.

"Of course it will be quite competitive for the whole season, but we want to see red cars on the podium. We start next week in Jerez and we keep working together. I am sure we will do well this year."

He added: "I believe in the skills we have here in Ferrari. We have two months to get ready before the first competition. We have to fight for the title and try and get as many points as possible. We really want to be right at the top of the ranking.

"We have to be as consistent and resolute as possible and I am sure, really, really sure we will be able to get great targets and great responsibility for driving for Ferrari."

Team-mate Felipe Massa is also optimistic Ferrari will be strong from the start of the season with the new car, which he labelled as "really aggressive".

"Let me tell you that it looks really, really aggressive," said Massa. "This was part of my dreams. I know there was quite a lot of brainstorming when it comes to the new car. We always wanted to develop new models so I am impressed with the new car.

"We start in a few days and I am sure the championship will be stunning and very competitive."

The Brazilian, which is facing a crucial year in order to secure his future in the team, said he was feeling very positive ahead of the start of the season.

"It is going to be an important year for me and whole team, 2012, this is going to be the victory year," he said. "We want to fight to get the championship back. I want to be believe in my skills and our car and this is the right thing to do.

"We want to see Ferrari winning as often as possible. Here I feel a strength, I'm focused on winning. There's plenty of positive things in my head and I want to start in the right way and get to the end of the championship in a better way."