Ferrari’s new single-seater, predicted to be named the F2010, and set to compete in the 2010 Formula 1 championship will officially debut later this month on January 28 in Maranello. However, some are suspecting that it’s quest for the championship along with Ferrari drivers Felipe Massa and already two time world champion Fernado Alonso may be over before they begin.

With official track testing of the new Ferrari F1 car not scheduled to take place until February and Alonso technically still under contract with the Renault team until the end of the year, it will be a long while before Alonso gets his hands on a Ferrari F1 car. This has lead many to wonder; What is Alonso doing in Maranello? Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso may not yet have had a chance to get behind the wheel of an open wheel scuderia racer, but he is continuing to familiarize himself with his new team, engineers, designers and is working to gain the trust and confidence of the team.

November 6th, marked Alonso’s first official visit to Maranello. Though still under contract with Renault, Alonso was able to meet with the team but still had to manage his contractual obligations regarding image management with Renault.

Luca di Montezemolo, peronaly met the new Ferrari driver spending no less than 30minutes with Alonso.

Alonso also met with Stefano Domenicali, met with engineers and visited the wind tunnel to see the new project as well as get a seat fitting and work out proper positioning for him in the cockpit.