'Ferrari is 90% Italian'

Montezemolo: 'Ferrari is 90% Italian'

Bologna, 14th June - Ferrari President Luca di Montezemolo was the guest of honour at the Feltrinelli di Bologna bookshop for the launch of the book he has written in collaboration with Rai journalist Marco Franzelli, titled "The great Ferrari wins - From Lauda to Schumacher."

The presentation was also attended by Sporting Director Jean Todt and provided an opportunity to answer questions about the current state of Ferrari, which Montezemolo was happy to deal with. On the subject of the eulogies rained down on Ralf Schumacher's head after his win in Montreal, the Ferrari President underlined how much Michael's brother has matured, from the days when he would make quite a few mistakes. "However, I am happy to have our Schumacher!" added Montezemolo. "After Brazil, Montoya was feted as a mix of Senna, Nuvolari, Lauda, Mansell and Prost, but then it became clear that Ralf is usually quicker than him. Now, Ralf has won in Canada thanks to the fact that his tyre situation was much better, and everyone says he is the best. That suits us. The important thing is that if people talk about the antidote to Ferrari or to Schumacher then it means we are still the strongest."

Asked what has been the best moment of his presidency, Montezemolo answered immediately: "It was the victory in Suzuka. I have a photo of Todt, Schumacher and Barrichello celebrating in red wigs, two weeks later in Sepang and it sums up the sense of release after so many years of chasing the prize. We went hungry for so long that now we appreciate the feast even more."

Finally, Montezemolo had this to say to a question about how many Italians there are in the team: "I think that Jean Todt is the most Italian of all, because he is so tense before the start of a race! Joking apart, of the 600 people who work at Ferrari, 550 are Italian. Of the key personnel, the president is from Bologna, the heads of the engine and electronic departments are Italian. Ferrari is 90% Italian."

- Ferrari