ROME (AFP) - Ferrari have not given up hopes of winning the Formula One world drivers' title despite their recent struggles, team principal Stefano Domenicali said on the team's website.

World title hope Fernando Alonso, the two-time world champion, failed to make it onto the podium in either of July's races, allowing reigning three-time world champion Sebastian Vettel to open up his lead on the Spaniard in the overall standings to 39 points.

Kimi Raikkonen also moved a point ahead of Alonso into second overall by finishing second in both races while fourth-placed Lewis Hamilton closed the gap to the Ferrari ace to nine points by winning the last race in Hungary.

Ferrari have struggled for pace recently but Domenicali believes they can bounce back.

"There is still everything to play for and we have gone through this before, as recently as last year," he said.

"Nine races means that a total of 225 driver points are available and rest assured that the goals we set ourselves at the start of the season are still perfectly attainable.

"It's true we've gone through a difficult period, especially in July, and now is the time to react in the way that Ferrari people know well.

"Our task is very simple - namely to give Fernando and Felipe (Massa) the quickest car possible."

The Formula One world championship moves to Belgium this weekend and the notorious wet Spa circuit.