GPI 2017 Australian Grand Prx | Page 118

ABOUT TIME F errari chairman Sergio Marchionne hailed their winning start to the Formula One season by saying it was “about time”, and reminded the team that they still had a long way to go. Sebastian Vettel’s Australian Grand Prix victory on was the team’s first race win since September 2015. It was also the first time since 2010, with Fernando Alonso in Bahrain, that the sport’s oldest and most successful team had won a season opener. Ferrari last won in Australia with Kimi Raikkonen in 2007. “It was about time. I am delighted for the team and for our tifosi who stood by us throughout this whole period. We’ve been waiting for this victory for almost a year and a half,” said Marchionne in a statement. “Hearing the Italian national anthem again was very moving.“Now, however, it is absolutely essential to remember that this is not the destination but the first step on a long road that must see us all focused on improving each and every day.” Ferrari, celebrating the 70th anniversary this year of founder Enzo Ferrari’s first race car, have not won a championship since their constructors’ success of 2008. The last driver to win a title in Ferrari red was Raikkonen in 2007.