Fernando Alonso has admitted to enjoying life at Ferrari far better than he ever anticipated.
That is despite the criticism he has faced in the wake of a run of form that has produced erratic results since his season-opening win in Bahrain.
The barbs increased in intensity following his accident in practice for the Monaco Grand Prix a fortnight ago that relegated the double world champion to the back of the grid.
It even prompted president Luca di Montezemolo to defend Alonso this week as he insisted he had no regrets about signing the 28-year-old.
Despite all that, Alonso lies third in the drivers' standings, just three points behind Red Bull Racing's leading duo of Mark Webber and Sebastian Vettel.
It would be easy for Alonso to question what he has wandered into at Ferrari given the pressure put on all those who drive for the Prancing Horse marque.
But he said: "In joining this team it has been much better than I expected.
"They have huge potential in terms of performance, the facilities in Maranello are maybe the best, and the atmosphere within the team is very good.
"It is like a big family, with everybody having a big passion for Ferrari, and they are not just workers for the Scuderia, they are lovers.
"It is the best team I have ever driven for."
Alonso appreciates, however, mistakes have to be kept to a minimum from now on if he is to have any chance of challenging Red Bull for the title.
The Spaniard collided with old adversary Michael Schumacher at the first corner in Australia and then jumped the start in China that led to a drive-through penalty before his shunt in Monaco.
"We would like not to make any more mistakes for the rest of the championship," said Alonso.
"In four of the six races so far we have been last on lap one, and yet with all these problems we are three points behind the leaders.
"As long as we are leading the championship on the last lap of the last race, then that is enough.
"And if we do make more mistakes then we have to hope others don't score the points."
The form of Red Bull, though, is giving everybody cause for concern and it is likely after their pace in practice yesterday they will again blow away the field in qualifying today.
Stopping the Milton Keynes-based team would appear to be mission impossible, but Alonso said: "Look at Brawn GP last year.
"They dominated the first seven grands prix, but then struggled at the end of the year.
"I expect Ferrari, McLaren and Mercedes to come back and be very close to them.
"When? Hopefully soon, but maybe not immediately here in Turkey."
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