Ferrari set to focus on 2010 car

Ferrari are poised to cease development of their 2009 car despite an improved showing at the German Grand Prix, team boss Stefano Domenicali has revealed.

Felipe Massa finished third on Sunday to secure the team's second podium of the season, but Domenicali is close to writing off the current campaign.

"We've already started work on the new project and in the next couple of weeks we will move on to that," he said.

"We want to start with a different pace compared to this year."

With both Massa and team-mate Kimi Raikkonen out of contention in the drivers' championship, and Ferrari a long way adrift in the constructors' standings, it is no surprise they are already looking beyond this season.

606: DEBATE

" With Kimi still not running where he no doubt feels he should be, does this mean he is even more likely to part company with the Scuderia next season?
"

"A podium is always important, and third is a good result for us, but we cannot say it's our return," said Massa after his third place at the Nurburgring.

Domenicali admitted the recent political infighting in Formula 1 had been a major drain on his time and energy and he was looking forward to getting involved in car development again.

"To be honest, I would have preferred to have been more balanced for the team," he stated.

"But it was a very critical moment for F1 and we have had to make sure we were doing our job.

"Being the team principal of Ferrari, with all that Ferrari means for F1, I also felt a responsibility."

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