Fernando Alonso does not expect to repeat his 2010 heroics when he returns to Bahrain later this week.
Alonso made his Ferrari debut at Sakhir in 2009 and he marked his arrival in stunning style by taking the chequered flag from Felipe Massa and Lewis Hamilton.
Fast forward two years and things are not going as well for Prancing Horse with the team continuing to struggle with the F2012 despite Alonso's surprise win in Malaysia.
Ferrari's lack of pace was clear to see in the dry conditions in China last weekend and with little prospect of rain in Bahrain Alonso knows it will be another tough weekend. Indeed, the former world champion admits it will be a case of damage limitation for Ferrari.
"I am well aware that in Sakhir, we can expect another difficult weekend, which is only natural, partly because of the track characteristics and also because the car is the same one we had in Shanghai," Alonso wrote on the Ferrari website.
"Both the Scuderia and I have a good record in Bahrain: the team has four victories here and I've got three, the last of which was also my debut race for the Prancing Horse. But the past counts for nothing in this sport and this weekend will be all about damage limitation for us."
Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali has called for the a quick response to ensure the team remain in contention for the championship and while he has not ruled out the title, Alonso knows that he cannot allow his rivals get too far ahead.
"The championship is very open and there are a lot of teams that can aspire to victory, but clearly we need to make a leap forward to be more competitive if we want to aspire to coming out on top at the end," he said.
"We have to take the step forward as soon as possible. I have faith in the team and I know everyone at Maranello is giving their all so that we can reach this objective."
Setanta Sports
Setanta Sports
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