Ferrari team boss Stefano Domenicali believes it is crucial the Italian marque hit the ground running in 2013.

The Scuderia, who unveiled the new F138 at Maranello this morning, missed out on the 2012 title in heartbreaking fashion as Sebastian Vettel's charge back through the field in Brazil saw Fernando Alonso beaten to the prize by just three points.

The Spaniard's title charge was ultimately undermined by a slow start to the season, and a lack of qualifying pace throughout the year.

But Domenicali hopes things will be different in 2013.

After seeing the wraps come off the team's new challenger, which does not feature the stepped nose that became the norm in F1 last season, Domenicali said: "The key objective is to immediately deliver a competitive car to the drivers.

"Unfortunately in recent seasons we have not been able to get to the start of the season right on top of what we are doing like our competitors.

"We need to be competitive from the start of the season."

And Domenicali feels the team have already moved past their 2012 disappointment.

"We have come from a season which was very difficult from an emotional point of view. To come second at the last race is always difficult," he said.

"But we have already forgotten those things which left us with regret last year and we have started improving on the positive aspects of 2012 such as reliability and strategy during the races.

"There are plenty of things that allow us to look forward to the new season."

Alonso will again be partnered by Felipe Massa in 2013 as the Brazilian starts his eighth year with the team.