Alonso Hits Out at Untrue Media Reports on Engine Problems

Earlier this month, some media reports suggested that Ferrari will be asking the FIA for an exemption from the current engine freeze rules in Formula One in order to address their powerplant issues this season. So far, Fernando Alonso recorded two engine failures in only 4 races, and some rumors points to a problem with Ferrari's valve system for that.

Consequently, it was believed Ferrari would ask permission to solve this problem, as all engines developed for the 2010 campaign would suffer from the same issues in the future.

During a media event involving Ferrari's sponsor Grupo Sandander, held in Madrid, Fernando Alonso hit back at the negative media reports, insisting that Ferrari's engine problems have already been identified and solved ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix.

“As for the engines, we have found the problems that we had. I know there have been things written about the valves and the air consumption system of the engine, which are completely untrue, as it usually happens,” said Alonso.

“So we are quiet because we have found the problems and we'll try to do the rest of the season with an engine that's 100 per cent reliable.”

While confident in his team's preparation programme for the Barcelona race – where his F10 will feature some new parts aimed at improving the car's downforce – the Spaniard is looking forward to race for the first time in front of a home crowd as a Ferrari-an.

“I will race there for the first time with a Ferrari, so the grandstands will be covered in red, I’m pretty sure about that, just my fans from Asturias might contrast to it a little, because they’re usually dressed in blue,” added the Spaniard.