Alonso pleased with 2014 progress

Alonso gets a gold plated Ferrari Exhaust Header at Ferrari's Christmas lunch

Fernando Alonso tried the 2014 Ferrari F1 car in the simulator for the first time recently.

Next year's regulations are built around a 1.6-litre turbocharged V6 engine, a rule change that will also have a significant effect on the car.

"I'm pleased with the way the day on the simulator went," Alonso told Ferrari's official website.

"We managed to get through everything on the program that we had in the pipeline. It was nice to be driving again, even if only in a virtual way.

"We went through a lot of ideas with the engineers. We are only at the start of a learning process, which is moving forward all the time, and it's nice to be able to contribute to it."

Speaking to Ferrari's sporting division at Ferrari's Christmas lunch, he stressed that he will ensure he is fully prepared to get the best out of the car next year.

"It's never easy coming second, but we must look ahead," said Alonso.

"Everyone always expects a lot from us. Next year, we will try to do better and I know you are working very hard.

"There are new rules and extra work for all of you, but you can count on maximum effort from us in terms of our physical and mental preparation to be in 100 per cent shape in March for the opening race.

"We race an important time ahead and so, forza Ferrari."