Ferrari trying not to get too excited

Written by Associated Press

ROME (AP) Ferrari is trying not to get too excited over its 1-2 finish in the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix.

``It's a long season. Football shows us that,'' team director Stefano Domenicali told Italian state radio Monday, referring to how Inter Milan's big lead in Serie A has dwindled to just one point.

Ferrari conceded last season early due to its worst run of results since 1993, but newly signed Fernando Alonso won in his Ferrari debut Monday and Felipe Massa finished second in his first race since nearly losing his life in a crash at last season's Hungarian GP.

``Last year we had to swallow a very bitter pull, but this is not revenge,'' Domenicali said. ``We've got to keep our feet on the ground. This result really pleases us because it shows that hard work pays off. We needed to create a competitive car and we achieved the goal.''

It was Ferrari's best start to a season since 2004 when Michael Schumacher led a 1-2 start.

Schumacher ended three years of retirement and joined Mercedes for this season, finishing sixth in his return.

Lewis Hamilton of McLaren finished third, pole sitter Sebastian Vettel of Red Bull was fourth and Schumacher's Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg was fifth.

``Two months ago everything seemed finished in Serie A, with Inter dominating,'' Domenicali said. ``(Our) opponents are very, very close. Red Bull took the pole position and McLaren and Mercedes are right there.''

Domenicali added that Ferrari's two drivers each have their own attributes.

``Alonso is a two-time world champion, and his statistics speak for themselves. He's a driver that knows how to focus the development of the car,'' Domenicali said. ``But you can't underestimate Felipe's humane and professional qualities. ... Seeing him on the podium again after the accident was very emotional.''