Ferrari driver Fernando Alonso believes that the team will only get a proper handle on whether or not they have a potential title-winning car in 2012 after the first few races, but the Spaniard says he is "optimistic" about their chances.
Having taken just a single win in 2011, Ferrari have promised a more aggressive approach to their 2012 car, and have aimed to improve in all areas.
Alonso and team mate Felipe Massa were blighted by grip issues on the harder Pirelli tyres, as well as an underperforming blown diffuser throughout the season.
But Alonso, who is entering the third season of his much-hyped pairing with the Italian giants while still searching for his first title, believes that the team should make progress in the new season.
The Spaniard did, though, suggest that the extent of their improvement may only become apparent after a few races.
"We are all optimistic," Alonso bragged to reporters at the seemingly never-ending Ferrari 'Wroom' event in Italy.
"Everyone is giving their best, but until perhaps Malaysia or China, race two or three, we will not be able to know how good the car is."
He added: "I know we are going to have many winter tests, and you may consider those as races, but until China we will not be able to know the potential of the car."
He added that much of the improvements will have come from the team's restructure, which came as a result of the disappointing early form of their 2011 car.
"The team has been working more effectively and in a more efficient way in the last couple of months, so I think the results, if they come, they should come immediately," he muttered.
"I don't think we need any time. Last year we had problems with the wind tunnel, some issues with correlation.
"This year, if we get over our wind tunnel issues, the results should come, and if we do a good job we are able to win races. If we do not do a good job we will not be able to."
Meanwhile, reports from within Ferrari published by the Autosport website have suggested that the Italian team are already on top of F1's latest technical war.
Lotus's new 'reactive ride height system', which the FIA has deemed legal, is set to be the new must-have device for teams this year.
And according to reports, Ferrari have already submitted their own take on the system to the FIA for approval, in preparation for the start of pre-season testing next month.
Ferrari will launch their new car on February 3rd.
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