Italian press turns Ferrari hopes to 2010
Even with Lewis Hamilton's McLaren breaking down in the Abu Dhabi finale, the British team still pipped the uncompetitive Ferrari to third place in the constructors' championship.
It is the first time in almost two decades that the famous Maranello based outfit has fallen off the teams' title 'podium'.
"The symbol of Ferrari's 2009 defeat is Giancarlo Fisichella," observed La Gazzetta dello Sport, "who after the disappointing experience was close to tears.
"But the pale face of Raikkonen showed no feelings nor sadness on his departure," the sports newspaper added.
Tuttosport immediately turned its attention to the forthcoming arrival of Fernando Alonso, who hopes to travel to Maranello before Christmas for initial seat and earplug fittings.
"Alonso is confident, saying 'I will be the turning point'," Tuttosport added.