Ferrari plans fight back

Ferrari may have handed over its crown to Renault this season but the Maranello squad is determined to make amends in 2006. President Luca di Montezemolo is critical of F1's current regulations, especially the tyre rules, but believes that Ferrari will come out fighting next season to make a return to its winning ways.

Jean Todt and Luca di Montezemelo.

Photo by Ferrari Media Center.

"I don't like the regulations," di Montezemolo said at a media meeting for the Ferrari World Finals. "They are dangerous as regards the tyres and this has been seen often this year. In the interests of the sport, safety and respect for the public, I hope that new rules that are more in line with the spirit of F1 come along."

"I would like to compliment Renault, Fernando Alonso and Flavio Briatore for a great and merited victory. What has happened has already been forgotten as the challenge is the only thing in our DNA. We will fight to get back to the top with the support of our suppliers in a Formula 1 that has put tyres at the centre of everything. The winless period has gone on for too long for our liking."

After six years Rubens Barrichello and Ferrari part company and the Brazilian will race for BAR in 2006. He will be replaced by compatriot Felipe Massa. Di Montezemolo has some fond recollections of Barrichello's time with the Scuderia.

"I have special memories of the three races that meant a lot for this company: Germany in 2000, when he won from the back of the field; Monza in 2002 among the crowds and last year in China. Rubens has always been a fundamental part of the Ferrari family."

Ferrari director Jean Todt had some words of praise for the fans. "We feel the great enthusiasm and enormous affection of our fans but it is clear that they would prefer to see Ferrari winning," he commented. "This company has made motor-racing history down the years and its fans will support it even in difficult times."

Michael Schumacher is another who is determined to return to the top step of the podium. The German only scored one victory in 2005, at the controversial US Grand Prix, which is a long way from where Ferrari wants to be.

"We can only have one goal where we are at today: to overcome this slump and start fighting for the title once again," Schumacher told his website. "That's my view, and the whole team agrees. I can't promise that we'll be able to make it, but I can promise we'll try everything within our power."