 Well many of you would
think that, most of us (Ferrari fans) hoped to become real but there were some people that
were sure of it and I'm not talking about Bernie Ecclestone. I'm talking about the MAN
behind the Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro. I'm talking about the Ferrari President, Mr Luca
Montezemolo. Most of us are waiting a lifetime to become successful, we are all looking
for something to do that would take us out of the ordinary, make us more or less SOMEONE.
But there are actually people for who the success is something normal like for example
drinking coffee (or tea my English friends!).
Well that kind of person is Mr. Montezemolo and now that I look at the information I got
on him I realize that he was a success even before I was born and he still is! So far for
some time this man is doing something extraordinary every couple of years or should I say
every year since 1995 while I …. well we are not talking about me so…!!!
You'd probably ask me what on earth does this man do that is so great?
Well for those of you who the Ferrari Cunstructors' title in 1999 and this year
Drivers'title (yeah OK we haven't got this one since 1979 but everything changes now!) and
of course again the Constructors'title this year it's not convincing enough, I just wnt to
remind you that with Luca di Montezemolo as Ferrari Racing Division Director, Ferrari won
in 1975 and in 1977 another two world titles! Remember Niki Lauda …..I thought so
too!
Now there you go see why the next F1 season will not be a surprise to us???!!!
Anyway not many of you know that there is more to him than the Ferrari huge success! What
else?
Well I tell you what this man has done it all! From newspapers, yachting, football and
drinks to bodycare products and sunglasses… you name it! All that representing a 26
years of hard work , a 26 years career of managing companies and turn them into success!
From "La Stampa" and "Publikompass" Italian newspapers, to being the
Cinzano Managing Director, to doing some yachting in America's Cup and meanwhile
organising the 1990 Football World Cup, becoming the main shareholder of aqua di Parma (a
perfume and bodycare products manufacturer, setting up the WEB company (glasses and
sunglasses) and becoming the Vice President of Bologna Football Club and the President of
Modena Industrial Union and …my God the computer cries out long sentence so I guess
I've got to stop but be sure that I could add other things here!
Anyway those are some great things that Mr. Montezemolo managed to do so far and I'm
saying so far because I really hope he'll be the Ferrari President for many years to come
because once you've found something that works as perfectly as that it's a shame to let
go!
So Ferrari's successes a surprise ………I don't think so, I just hope that
after reading this article you won't have any doubt that Ferrari are going to win again
both WC - the Constructors' and the Drivers'. Why?
Because we are taking care of by the best!
So hats off to Mr. Montezemolo!!!
TIMELINE
1974
Luca Montezemolo was installed as Director Of The Racing Division at Ferrari, while in
this role the team won two world titles with Niki Lauda in 1975 and 1977
1977
Luca is appointed as Manager of the Fiat Group Communications, Luca developed Fiat's
publishing business and was accountable for the re-organisation of the groups leisure
activities for employees.
1984
Montezemolo took on the demanding task of organising Italy's 1st ever attempt in the
America's Cup yacht race.
1986
Luca was picked to take on the role of General Director in charge of co-ordinating the
1990 World Cup Finals to be held in Italy in 1990, the event was a massive success.
1991
Montezemolo rejoined Scuderia Ferrari as President and Managing Director. In his time in
this role Ferrari has increased it's global presence and is now exporting 90% of
production.
1997
Luca was elected President and Managing Director of Maserati.
1999
Montezemolo achieves his ambition as Ferrari return to the top of Formula One by securing
victory in the Constructor's Championship.
2000
Ferrari continue to stride forward under Montezemolo. For the 1st time since 1970 a
Ferrari pilot wins the Driver's title and Ferrari also secure the Constructor's title to
complete the double. Luca's CV makes impressive reading :
President and Managing Director of Ferrari and Maserati
President of the Modena Industrial Union
President of the International Bologna Trade Fair
Vice President of the Bologna Calcio football club.
2001
Under Luca's control Ferrari went onto even better things in 2001, they defended both
titles with style and kept both titles firmly in the graps of the team. 9 wins and 9 poles
and a total of 179 points were more than enough to ensure the good times are flowing at
Ferrari once more.
2002
With Luca still at the helm the Scuderia enjoyed the best ever season of racing in their
history but off the track his leadership was even more important. Quit rumours surrounded
the President after Fiat sold 34% of their shares in Ferrari, but the President remained.
Come the close of the season Ferrari had dominated the sport and the FIA began to propose
ways of slowing down the team, to this Montezemolo declared Ferrari will quit if they are
forced to accept 'idiotic' plans.
2003
The idiotic plans did not come to pass and Ferrari naturally remained in
F1, and under Luca di continued to remain successful. Michael Schumacher
took his 4th title for the team and Ferrari took their 13th
constructor's title in total and their 5th in a row, a new record that
will be hard to beat. 2004
Yet more success for Ferrari as they won the world driver's championship
and constructor's championships with some ease. In a season dominated by
the red cars Ferrari destroyed the opposition, prompting major rule
changes to the sport in an attempt to slow them down.
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