Despite an operational failure on Fernando Alonso’s car Ferrari are keeping things in perspective.

Although the Spaniard is thirty points adrift of championship leader Sebastian Vettel after only four races of the 2013 season Ferrari see no reason to drop their chins. “The gap is 30 points now, but if he has zero points next time and we win, it will be five,” explained Domenicali. “With only four races gone, there is plenty of time. Don’t forget, we had a 50 points [advantage] last summer, so it is easy stuff.”

The Italian squad has started the 2013 in much better shape than the last few season and barring any issues at the Bahrain GP Alonso was the most likely to challenge for victory. Ultimately, Alonso’s eighth place finish may not appear spectacular on paper but three points could be telling towards the end of a very long championship season.