Di Montezemelo to step-up F1 involvement

(Scuderia Ferrari SpA via Twitter)

 

Ferrari president Luca Di Montezemelo is to increase his involvement in the Italian marques Formula One operation following the resignation of team principal Stefano Domenicali earlier this week.

 

Speaking to Gazzetta Dello Sport Di Montezemelo confirmed:

 

'I am going to do what I use to and will stay closer to F1. I will spend more time on it. I am not happy at the moment.'

 

The Italian believes that by appointing Mattiacci to replace Domenicali the team have made the right choice by choosing someone from within the Ferrari organisation rather then picking an outsider. This would suggest that Mattiacci is the long term successor to Domenicali and not an interim team boss while they negotiate with the likes of Ross Brawn.

 

Di Montezemelo revealed that he chose Mattiacci with the complete backing of FIAT CEO Sergio Marchionne and is hopeful that the team will return to winning ways very soon.

 

It is likely that we will see the Ferrari president attending more Grand Prix as he confirmed that while Mattiacci is the new team boss, he (Di Montezemelo) commented 'I will assist him'.

 

While making his plans regarding the F1 team public Di Montezemelo paid tribute to Domenicali by saying:

 

'Stefano had the courage to resign. He obviously pays for the lack of results - it's a rule in sports that you must succeed. But let me remind you that since 2007 we have won three world titles and we have nearly won as many more too, and a couple of them at the season's finale. It is no small achievement and that really must not be forgotten.'

 

He has also told the team that they need to roll up their sleeves so that they can return to winning ways and become competitive once again. The team will be hoping that this can start immediately with this weekend's Chinese Grand Prix at the Shanghai International Circuit.

 

The team are under immense pressure to catch the front runners as they are currently fifth in Constructors championship just three point's ahead of the Martini Williams Racing Team.

 

©Ben Johnston 2014