Ferrari says it still 'needs another step' in 2013 F1 title fight

Although Ferrari was encouraged by a return to form at the Belgian Grand Prix, as Alonso recovered from a poor qualifying to finish second, the team knows it has still not done enough.

Team principal Stefano Domenicali believed the first step of its fightback plan in Belgium could be viewed a success - but knows more is needed if the team is going to start putting pressure on Red Bull.

When asked by AUTOSPORT how vital Spa was after a frustrating recent run of form for Alonso, Domenicali said: "I think it was important not only for Fernando who deserved a very good car but also for the team, because they are working very hard to make sure that we are able to fight until the end in the championship.

"We had a very bad July for many reasons and I am very pleased to see we are back on track. But it is not enough.

"If we want to make sure that we arrive at the end [still in the fight], then we need another step with regards to the performance of the car. At least that is what I am telling my people.

"For us it is important to keep improving the car.

"We see Red Bull have for sure improved, so we need to improve the car more than them and be there if there is an opportunity, because they may have a problem."

One of the biggest encouragements for Ferrari was that the technical changes the team made for Spa delivered the performance step on track that was expected.

This comes after recent correlation issues meant that development progress had stalled.

"It was a normal improvement," said Domenicali. "That was important for us."