AFP - Ferrari were singing and smiling again on Monday as they reflected on what a difference a year - and one important win - can make in the Formula One World Championship.

Twelve months on from rising to negative and even insulting headlines after a dreadful opening to a desultory 2009 campaign, the Italian outfit were purring with satisfaction after new boy Fernando Alonso led Felipe Massa home in the Bahrain Grand Prix.

Two-times champion Spaniard Alonso took full advantage when leading German Sebastian Vettel of Red Bull was forced to slow down with reduced power and went on to claim a glorious debut triumph with his new team.

For team chief Stefano Domenicali -- who survived a series of calls that he should be sacked during the team's abysmal opening spell last season -- it was a vital psychological boost.

He admitted that he and the team had been under great pressure to deliver with their new lead driver and F10 car after switching their focus to the future midway through a dreadful 2009 season.

Domenicali said: "Yes, absolutely, this was a very important race for all of us in the team."

"After a difficult season like last year, and after a very difficult decision that we had to take last year, everyone was ready with the gun to fire," Domenicali said.

"But that is part of the game. This is the reason why I have to take certain responsibility. It is good because it shows that the decision was right."

"I have to thank all the people at home who worked very hard, they were staying together, because it is easy when you have a very bad season."

"Everyone says you have bad people and it was better in a different period. But that is life. We know that. So the only way to react is to come back with results."

The Ferrari chief warned that one win did not signal anything to celebrate and pointed at the team's main rivals as dangers to their ambitions of lifting the titles.

"For us, the important thing is to see that the car we had here in Bahrain has given us a good base for the future. It is a very, very long season this year and we want to stay with our feet on the ground (sic) - I expect all the other teams to be aggressive and competitive."

Domenicali added that it was too soon to identify who are likely to emerge as Ferrari's main rivals in this year's title race.

"I think it is best to respect all the other teams. Red Bull Racing and McLaren are very strong. Now we have to see which teams can develop quickly and bring in new parts."