Marco Mattiacci’s debut Italian Grand Prix as Ferrari team principal was a day to forget.

In front of their adoring fans at Monza, a miserable race for Ferrari unfolded as Fernando Alonso’s 86- race run without a mechanical failure finally came to an end.

Alonso, who up until this race had been the only driver to score at least a point in every other grand prix this season, ground to a halt on lap 29 due to an issue with the energy recovery system.

Kimi Raikkonen managed to keep Ferrari’s record going of finishing with at least one car in the points – now up to 80 races. But claiming ninth was little to crow about as Mattiacci appreciated as he said: “In Formula One, as in sport in general, there are days to forget, and this was certainly one of them.

“Unfortunately, we had no way of predicting the problem that affected Fernando’s car, but I am sorry it happened right here in Monza at our home race.

“Even though we are making progress, we knew these last two races would be very difficult. Therefore, while it’s impossible to accept a result like this, now our only thought is to get back to being competitive as soon as possible.

"First and foremost, we must continue to work and to improve, because I’m sure the working practices put in place these last few months will help us get back to the top.”