Di Montezemolo steps down as Ferrari chairman!

[hrc5555]

http://www1.skysports.com/f1/news/12474/9463161/di-montezemolo-steps-down-as-ferrari-chairman

[ManFromMilan]

Just saw that too. So now the question only remains who is taking over Ferrari Road cars and who is taking over Ferrari F1?

[stefa]

Hmmmm :Hmm

Who will take that place now?

[Rishu]

Thank you Monty for all these years

[bondilad]

Hope all these changes don't distract our f1 team.

[Rishu]

Hmmmm :Hmm

Who will take that place now?

Looks like it'll be between Mattiacci or Marchionne himself

[Ste]

Gutted to see Luca step down after 23 years at the helm. Such a charismatic, flamboyant and passionate leader.

Good luck to him with leading Alitalia, which is what I presume he will be doing.

[fratelliferrari]

:-( NOO! He is such a great character I will really gonna miss him! Hopefully Marchionne is not going to destroy Ferrari now :furious

[The Architect]

Very sad to see Luca leave. I fear for Ferrari under Sergio Marchionne. From what I've read in the past, he would have Ferrari go the way of Porsche and become another ubiquitous motoring brand. He is not a man who appears to understand or appreciate Ferrari tradition and history.

[brava]

Hope all these changes don't distract our f1 team.


Yeah, they are fighting for the 4th place in WCC, hope they don't get distracted.

[fratelliferrari]

Yeah, they are fighting for the 4th place in WCC, hope they don't get distracted.

Not funny

[bondilad]

Yeah, they are fighting for the 4th place in WCC, hope they don't get distracted.

What I meant was next year or the year after.......not just the car itself but the drivers too.

[Tobes]

It's a bit sad that his tenure has ended this way, he's clearly been pushed, but regardless of how the road car division is doing the reality is the F1 team has been under performing for way too long now, maybe in the long term a complete reshuffle at the top will prove to be for the best, only time will tell...

[theforce]

What I meant was next year or the year after.......not just the car itself but the drivers too.

No WCC since 2008 and WDC since 2007...so it will take a bit more than 'next year or the year after', for Ferrari to put together a new winning team. My bet is we are highly likely to lose our drivers within the next 2 years max...while Ferrari brings in new young talent to do a ground up rebuild looking at the next 5 to 10 years.

[Stormsearcher]

I dont like this. :-??

Its got a destabilising ring to it, especially for the F1 team. LDM was a powerful character. Dang!!

[theforce]

I dont like this. :-??

Its got a destabilising ring to it, especially for the F1 team. LDM was a powerful character. Dang!!

lol, in what sense?

[Stormsearcher]

Well connected. Had a sense of authority about him.

[Kingdom Hearts]

Good luck to him in his new job, with Santander president dying today also, it looks like is fate that today was a big day for Ferrari. I wonder if the next thing will be the drivers, maybe both removed from the team for next year, Kimi for bad performance and Fernando because Ferrari will need some years to recover and he won't stay.

[Hermann]

Good, good. Time for a complete overhaul.

[crn12]

I'm gutted by this news...I for one was following Luca as a leader..(In fact not Steve Jobs!!)

I just hope whoever leads Ferrari now is capable of doing so, it makes more sense to me now that Marco was bought in here by Sergio and not by Luca.

Forza Ferrari

[Greig]

Bad news, Luca always protected the F1 team and this might now change.

[xpman]

Good now the Brawn can come back head up F1 team if he wants as King Luca has gone and Mattiacci can do what he dose best run the car side of the Business !

[Sab_g]

F1 team performance aside, why get rid of Luca when the road car business is setting record profits? I read somewhere that Sergio marchionne wants to double ferrari's production from 6000 cars and sell them cheaper, while Luca wanted to cap it at 6000 to maintain exclusivity and sell at a higher price. If that's true and has any reason to do with why they forced him out, it's really not hard to see who the real ferrari man is? Sounds to me like Sergio is only interested in the bottom line

[Senna4Ever]

wow ... thought after Monza everything was told about this story ... even with LdM speaking to the media too about it ... and now this theatre only few days later ...
Am I wrong or with LdM leaving "last" man of the Schumi years left Ferrari ... ??? (from the front row )???

All the best ...

[Hornet]

This is bad news. Luca DM has been playing a very important role in F1, and I do feel that F1 have been very important to Luca as he had always played a big role when it comes to F1, within the team as well as the political landscape of the sport.


Good, good. Time for a complete overhaul.
Be careful of what you ask for. FIAT doesn't care about F1, and the new boss they assigned might not be too.

Who's to say the new boss will not decide to pull out of F1 altogether if the team continue to struggle for a couple more years? It's not inconceivable because we've seen other companies like BMW and Toyota who decides to leave the sport when they are not winning.

We are now talking about the president of the Ferrari as a business company, not a team principle. The new president may decide F1 is using too much money and decides to pull the plug. I hope not, but you never know.



F1 team performance aside, why get rid of Luca when the road car business is setting record profits? I read somewhere that Sergio marchionne wants to double ferrari's production from 6000 cars and sell them cheaper, while Luca wanted to cap it at 6000 to maintain exclusivity and sell at a higher price. If that's true and has any reason to do with why they forced him out, it's really not hard to see who the real ferrari man is? Sounds to me like Sergio is only interested in the bottom line

This can't be good for Ferrari if it's true. I'd hate to see Ferrari becoming just another company manufacturing fancy road cars.

[Senna4Ever]

According to reports in Germany the new man is already chosen: Marchionne ... with 13th October

Car broken in Monza
Media unveiled that Kimi just slower because he has to carry more weight
LdM leaving
Mr. Botin died

not a good week for Alonso it seems ....

so what next?

[AfterLife]

Every change that takes place within the companies like Fiat/Ferrari is the will for a better outcome for the future. I wish success for both the new Ferrari chairman and Luca Di Montezemolo. I've heard Sergio Marchionne is very highly rated man who can make the difference.

[Alonsomaniac]

Oh dear......I fear a period of uncertainty and chaos. Like him or not, LdM is a man who had a feeling for Ferrari's exclusivity and he even had this aura around himself. I think it is a loss for Ferrari, but who knows?
And now a real Fiat- man is taking over.......I don't know what that will mean to Ferrari as making cars and being a racingteam the way Enzo made it and wanted it to be.
Ferrari never has been - and never should be - a commercial brand like Fiat....
Let's hope and pray for the best.

[coolrunnings_99]

IMHO, good riddance:wave

Now, what will the Wall Street infected boys bring to the drawing board, and racing stable?
A spreadsheet, not from Microsoft?:-D

[eddie]

If Ferrari is going to be run like Fiat, then its game over very soon....

Ferrari has been very successful for many years now, hope all those doesn't go to past quickly with new hands.

Also received news that Santander boss has passed, the future of Ferrari in F1 is going to be very shaky.........

[hogo]

We are doomed. Not as F1 team, but as Ferrari brand. I think Ferrari will follow Porsche steps from now on and I don't like this one bit :(

[eddie]

We are doomed. Not as F1 team, but as Ferrari brand. I think Ferrari will follow Porsche steps from now on and I don't like this one bit :(

You are right... I have been doing a lot of reading as of late on this saga....

Ferrari is bigger than F1, Ferrari's branding strategy, marketing (PR) and sales have been going up even when the world economies were going otherwise.

To even have 1 inch of blame be put on LdM and his men and women is pure hypocrisy.

Lets see now the guys at Fiat try run this Company.... hope they don't crash.

Very sad day indeed for all whom dearly love Ferrari with great passion.

[hogo]

F1 team performance aside, why get rid of Luca when the road car business is setting record profits? I read somewhere that Sergio marchionne wants to double ferrari's production from 6000 cars and sell them cheaper, while Luca wanted to cap it at 6000 to maintain exclusivity and sell at a higher price. If that's true and has any reason to do with why they forced him out, it's really not hard to see who the real ferrari man is? Sounds to me like Sergio is only interested in the bottom line

It's not a rumour. Ferrari sold over 7000 cars last year, LdM didn't like it. It was too much and this year he wanted to sell less, "to maintain exclusivity" like you said. But Marchione wants to sell as much as possible cos Ferrari is one of the few FIAT brands that is making money. In other words Sergio wants Ferrari to drag FIAT on it's shoulders.


I actually don't care much about Ferrari F1 team, I don't like current F1. So if new boss will decide to pull us out/give less money I won't care much either.

[aroutis]

You are right... I have been doing a lot of reading as of late on this saga....

Ferrari is bigger than F1, Ferrari's branding strategy, marketing (PR) and sales have been going up even when the world economies were going otherwise.

To even have 1 inch of blame be put on LdM and his men and women is pure hypocrisy.

Lets see now the guys at Fiat try run this Company.... hope they don't crash.

Very sad day indeed for all whom dearly love Ferrari with great passion.

Let me add, that those that are happy for this development, clearly don't understand a thing bout what just happened.

Perhaps they should bookmark this page, revisit this say a year from now.

I wish I am wrong, but this is a very bad day for Ferrari.

[tifosi1993]

Because of LDM Ferrari is what it is today. Because of LDM, Ferrari is now one of the most profitable & successful car maker and the most powerful brand in the world. Without LDM; no championship in 70's, no dream team. Ferrari is the most successful team in F1 because of him.

Thank you Luca Di Montezemolo for all your effort and hard work, you"ll be missed.

[eddie]

Let me add, that those that are happy for this development, clearly don't understand a thing bout what just happened.

Perhaps they should bookmark this page, revisit this say a year from now.

I wish I am wrong, but this is a very bad day for Ferrari.

I fully agree with you. LdM said its the end of his era... I cried!

This is worst than loosing all those championship..... The issues in F1 seems so small now.

I sympathize for the Ferrari family, we are loosing a great leader.

I will miss those waves LdM gives to the crowd, to the tifosi...

[coolrunnings_99]

The deeds of great men and women are left for speculative business boys to play around with.
Men and women gunned for race victories and glory sacrificing everything towards it.
The racing world was happy and quite excited every once in a while, on race weekends.
While boys might place their bets at profit pedestal, stakeholders shall be made happy, no money would be harmed.
Apart from perhaps the emotion and name of Ferrai taking the Lotus southward vector, hell yeah, as long as stakeholders are happy.
The Y definition of happy being that it only applies to present tense, now, here, and more of the same.
That happens a lot nowadays, but ehem, since the only world and weltschmertz constant is change, still it doesn not mean that everyone is supposed to like it.
Porsche lived thru it, sprouting the hideous Cayenne, but Porsche was never near pedigree or heritage at stake here, simply cause wining in F1 might prove too expensive for the average stakeholder/investor/profit junkie.
LdM s best move was MS, JT, RB and leaving them alone.
That was very long time ago, in Y terms, while in terms of heritage, tradition and human interactions, sheesh..it happened just moments ago.

bye cool...

[Senna4Ever]

Because of LDM Ferrari is what it is today. Because of LDM, Ferrari is now one of the most profitable & successful car maker and the most powerful brand in the world. Without LDM; no championship in 70's, no dream team. Ferrari is the most successful team in F1 because of him.

Thank you Luca Di Montezemolo for all your effort and hard work, you"ll be missed.

So what has changed that big from Saturday to Wednesday that it went from (I'm staying) to (I'm leaving)?

[Kiwi Nick]

If you really want to blame somebody for what has happened, don't blame Marchionne. You must look back to 1969, when Enzo Ferrari sold a 50% interest in the company to FIAT and 2008, when Montezemolo sold another 35% to FIAT. Now FIAT owns 90% of Ferrari and Piero owns 10%.

If you agree to take FIAT's money, you need to be prepared to live by FIAT's rules. Of course FIAT were eventually going to ask Ferrari for more and more profits and more and more volume. If Enzo and Luca had not made a deal with the devil, Ferrari would not be doing the devil's dance.

You might also ask yourself, why didn't Luca and some of his aristocratic buddies buy Ferrari from FIAT rather than building bullet trains etc. if Ferrari was so important to them?

[Majki2111]

Very sad to see Luca leave. I fear for Ferrari under Sergio Marchionne. From what I've read in the past, he would have Ferrari go the way of Porsche and become another ubiquitous motoring brand. He is not a man who appears to understand or appreciate Ferrari tradition and history.Not important. NEED TO WORK FOR PRESENT AND FUTURE.

[Suzie]

Don't like Luca or his constant threats to flounce out of F1 - but better the devil you know, I suppose.
I hope it works out for Ferrari.

[Sab_g]

We are doomed. Not as F1 team, but as Ferrari brand. I think Ferrari will follow Porsche steps from now on and I don't like this one bit :(

Sadly I think you might be right. Porsche make fantastic cars, but there's no magic about them if that makes sense. Hope ferrari doesn't go the same way

[FerrariF60]

so i guess the LONG HUG between Fernando and Luca this past weekend race was a pretty obvious CLUE that he will leave.

this is sad news, but let's only hope that it is for the BEST..

[Ed Harley]

"Nobody is indespensable"

It was bound to happen at some point and this is the point when company saw that enough is enough.

[Hornet]

Not important. NEED TO WORK FOR PRESENT AND FUTURE.

It is important actually. If the new president doesn't value Ferrari's racing tradition, what do you think he will do to Ferrari's F1 program. If he isn't committed to F1 like Luca was, he may start cutting spending in F1, or in worst case, completely end the F1 program.

This is what I'm worried about. Will the new president be as committed to F1 as Luca was.

[shamim179]

Not surprised at all by this announcement. The writing was on the wall for Luca unfortunately. His ear tweak to their lead driver last year was a clear sign that his judgement is not quite what it used to be. Retaining and having outmost faith in Stefano for all these years was probably his biggest mistake - even when Stefano wanted to resign he still persuaded him to stay. Luca should have been much stronger here with Stefano but he was too emotionally attached to him therefore reluctant to have him replaced. When FIAT are the principal shareholder of Ferrari, you have to go along with their strategies. Disagreeing with them can be futile. Luca was given the freedom without interference by FIAT to govern and lead Ferrari in the way he sees fit but the performance of the F1 team has been dropping at an alarming rate in recent times. This was all orchestrated and planned well ahead. Luca has already secured another job.

But I do agree with many posters here that during the interim phase with a possible handover to Sergio there will be some instability and confusion. Sergio will probably do things differently and this inevitably will affect the direction that Ferrari and the F1 team head in. What must Alonso and Kimi be thinking? 2 high level changes in the same year. This usually occurs in very troubled companies.

[Kyss4k]

Looks to me like it's all planed. Mattiaci in, Luca out, rumours being true... I never believed the talks abour Brawn coming back, but it all connects now.

I just hope Marchionne won't be leading Ferrari for good. We can probably say goodbye to it's exclusivity... it will become what Porsche is.

[Aberracus]

Not surprised at all by this announcement. The writing was on the wall for Luca unfortunately. His ear tweak to their lead driver last year was a clear sign that his judgement is not quite what it used to be. Retaining and having outmost faith in Stefano for all these years was probably his biggest mistake - even when Stefano wanted to resign he still persuaded him to stay. Luca should have been much stronger here with Stefano but he was too emotionally attached to him therefore reluctant to have him replaced. When FIAT are the principal shareholder of Ferrari, you have to go along with their strategies. Disagreeing with them can be futile. Luca was given the freedom without interference by FIAT to govern and lead Ferrari in the way he sees fit but the performance of the F1 team has been dropping at an alarming rate in recent times. This was all orchestrated and planned well ahead. Luca has already secured another job.

But I do agree with many posters here that during the interim phase with a possible handover to Sergio there will be some instability and confusion. Sergio will probably do things differently and this inevitably will affect the direction that Ferrari and the F1 team head in. What must Alonso and Kimi be thinking? 2 high level changes in the same year. This usually occurs in very troubled companies.
+1

[JohnDelinger]

the irony of a name F14T

[WS6TransAm01]

I don't think this will end up being good for Ferrari F1... I hope I am wrong


According to reports in Germany the new man is already chosen: Marchionne ... with 13th October

Car broken in Monza
Media unveiled that Kimi just slower because he has to carry more weight
LdM leaving
Mr. Botin died

not a good week for Alonso it seems ....

so what next?

Wait... what?

[Forzi]

A lil bit sad. Feels like 2006 all over again.

[Forzi]

According to reports in Germany the new man is already chosen: Marchionne ... with 13th October

Car broken in Monza
Media unveiled that Kimi just slower because he has to carry more weight
LdM leaving
Mr. Botin died

not a good week for Alonso it seems ....

so what next?

All cars on the grid weight the same. He's got the same thing beneath him as Fernando. Unless, they mean he has less ballast to move around. Though seeing that almost all drivers on the grid have little to none of it, shouldn't be something really noticable.

[coolrunnings_99]

I do not believe for one milisecond that F1 performance and results have anything even remotely to do with LdM leaving.
If it were the case, then this could be good news, but rather it could be the prepping of the "managerial shroud of deniabilty" for a more sinister agenda.
In a realistic world, which does seem to work under different set of rules, than the idealistic one, I think it went a bit similar to...MM(not Marylin Monroe) came to do the Sergios and stakeholders bidding, LdM probly said: "no, not like that" on several occasions. Then the leverage takes over fast, of brilliant spredsheet ideology.
Ona different note, since FAC is the next best thing in town, right next to sliced bread, it would be interesting to speculate on future values (wasnt this, and still is Wall Street sponsorship of uncertanty?) since the state of affairs in FAC might be fiscally OK at the moment. But in future, the real future, not spreadsheet wishfull thinking possible image of future, FAC may turn out to be most flogged dead horse in town.Why?
For example, Alfa Romeo has 3 models on sale, FIAT has introduced the last succesfull motor vehicle in the guise of F500, and full stop.
Marriage between Chrysler and FIAT with an SUV concept as a best man, is something to be yet tested for harmony.
Lancia, there is no more Lancia.
Compare that with slightly lesser balance sheet of for example PSA group, (Pegueot and Citroen) their engagemnet in ERC, WTCC, ETCC, WRC and their car lineup.
There You will be witness to an active and dynamic thinking and such a techical and car model package at least give a company (yes and its stakeholders) a fair chance to make money, because it makes good automobiles with adequate sporting representation.
This IMHO just might be the case of creative accounting, before anything sporting or sporting performance wise related,where Ferrari Gestione Sportiva could take the Abarth role and ill fate.
Taking somebodys money does not put one in servitude void of common sense, and it is a deal as wasEnzo s "in vitalizzio" when taking Agnelli money in 69, and waving to Ford a big ciao.That can only happen if You knock someone on the head and take his/hers wallet.
Investments and racing were never good friends, neither was splashing money on technical issues and expecting them to work, just cause it costs stake/share holder more than he likes or wishes.
But in the process, when guarded by common sense, human realtions, and sound racecraft and tech stuff, magic things happen, which usually do not happen on stake/share holders meetings.

bye cool...

[eddie]

"Nobody is indespensable"

It was bound to happen at some point and this is the point when company saw that enough is enough.

True on the indispensability.

But, the Company is made by the men and women working together under the teamwork of great leadership over the years. Without these, there isn't any Company to begin with.

I used to work for a huge multi-national giant. We had a great leader, he was ousted by Corporate politics.

They are nowhere now... without a Captain, it will be ship wreck!

Their stocks value... guess it, very low... never this low....

Good luck FIAT (FCA) or whoever is behind this, trust me.... you will need it!

[eddie]

It is important actually. If the new president doesn't value Ferrari's racing tradition, what do you think he will do to Ferrari's F1 program. If he isn't committed to F1 like Luca was, he may start cutting spending in F1, or in worst case, completely end the F1 program.

This is what I'm worried about. Will the new president be as committed to F1 as Luca was.

Hopefully the don't pull Corse Clienti as well... else, I am jumping ship to Lambo... LOL!

[REDARMYSOJA]

I'll just repeat what I've said elsewhere about this.

I still don't understand why Luca had to go for this to all happen, if this has nothing to do with the race team, that is. Apparently Luca was stronger than people thought, if Marchionne had to kill him off rather than just step over him. I know there is some separation between the FIAT and Ferrari companies, I think Ferrari is a little more independent than many of us realize, else the Fiat board would just push through what they want whenever they want it.

That's what I thought was going on here, that Marchionne and Luca were having a standoff because Marchionne couldn't get what he wanted because Luca was in the way and Marchionne didn't have enough support within both companies to force the change. It looked like Luca had proved his point that he could make money with less production, I thought that had bought him time, but I guess the shareholders decided they liked Marchionne's promise better.

It will be interesting to see if more people from Ferrari follow. This could end up like the Laura Ferrari incident.

[Nova]

If u dont understand the impact of this, then u simply dont understand the true tradition and legend of Ferrari.
Luca has kept alive these virtues while bringing Ferrari into the 21st century. Ferrari is the most recognized, famous brand in the world. Sure the F1 team is down, but F1 is cyclic at best. He also brought forth the last great winning group of Todt, Brawn and Michael, so the F1 team will be back. Of course he couldnt go on forever, as age and time stand still for no one. But I for 1, am very sorry to see him go. Hand picked by Enzo himself, the last of the true links to the history of Ferrari.

You did good Luca. Ciao Amice.

[GrndLkNatv]

It's official, my business partner was in Maranello yesterday when Mr. Marchionne arrived via heli. Big change to the team, perhaps more focus on winning and less management, more engineers and workers..

[REDARMYSOJA]

I dont like this. :-??

Its got a destabilising ring to it, especially for the F1 team. LDM was a powerful character. Dang!!


Bad news, Luca always protected the F1 team and this might now change.

The thing I fear about Marchionne is, he appears willing to destroy Ferrari to save Fiat, which I suppose is part of his job however. I didn't believe it when all this first came up about Luce being shown the door, I thought this production and IPO issue had all been solved, but it looks like Marchionne has just been sharpening his knives.

Now that this has proven true, I just hope the other thing I heard is not true, that if Luca leaves that means no more F1 team, for the foreseable future at least.

[Alesi1]

F1 media-- What a load of garbage, has anyone mentioned the fact that Fernando weighs several kilos more than Kimi, now they have to start more .... What a joke . How about just driving and stop winging about the car not being right for him bla bla bla instead of making excuses. I don't buy it , a good driver adapts no matter what. People shloud give give Fernando credit, this reminds of the prost era, hewas totally underrated just as fernando is.

[Liscia]

Addio Luca! Many thanks for all you've done as Ferrari's number one
and number one fan for all these years! FORZA FERRARI!!!

[AfterLife]

I hope new chairman arrival wouldn't impact our newly established design team. More than everything we need a solid base to have better development and continuity and long term plan to become competitive again.

[stefa]

Timing is very bad...

[Rob]

Got text message this morning, shocked, sad, but not at all surprised. Hate too say it, we need full clear out through the entire company. I was told today, that Sergio is very powerful man, also very clever. He wants and will demand F1 results.

(maybe more chances coming;-))

[TonyRizza]

only time will tell what happens, this could be very good for ferrari's f1 team or the start of an even bigger downfall, lets hope the former

[Alessandra]

I hope Mattiacci stays on in the role he’s been occupying for the past few months. I feel that he might make make a go of it, although Monza was dreadful, but that’s exactly what was forecast anyway.

It’s all a bit of a mess. The F1 team has no option but to get its head down and keep on keeping on.
“Marchionne will replace Di Montezemolo, who leaves the role on 13 October.” Is what the BBC says. So he’ll be the Chairman of the F1 aspect of Ferrari?:-E

PS Bet Fernando's phone hasn't stopped ringing all day! McLaren, RBR, Williams/ Merc :-D
No, OK , not Williams

[TonyRizza]

i think he will be, lets just hope we wont become or stay at fiat (F14T) level of fast with this new boss coming in, not sure this change is a good idea since when has FIAT done racing?

[Tony]

Not sure what to think of this... on the one hand I can understand that the lack of F1 results needs to be addressed, on the other, I hope this doesn't mean the devaluation of the Ferrari brand... I think from this aspect, I'm more concerned with the road division than F1... I hope the right decision was made here, I really don't know enough either way....

[doublesixes]

Not funny

Actually I think it was pretty funny...in a pathetic kind of way.

Good luck LdMZ. Your run was excellent, by all accounts.

[eddie]

Anyone heard anything about Flavio coming back to lead the f1 team from any kind of reliable source.... :-E

[Aberracus]

Anyone heard anything about Flavio coming back to lead the f1 team from any kind of reliable source.... :-E

I have read that Bell is coming form Mercedes to be the new TP under Mattiaci.

So Allison could be more free to concentrate on the car design.

[mirafiori]

Got text message this morning, shocked, sad, but not at all surprised. Hate too say it, we need full clear out through the entire company. I was told today, that Sergio is very powerful man, also very clever. He wants and will demand F1 results.

(maybe more chances coming;-))

You are correct Rob.Sergio is a very clever man. I have known Sergio's abilities for many years now, he has done an incredible job with Fiat and Chrysler situation in the USA. In 2008, Chrysler were on their knees and he performed a miracle in turning the company around. He has saved tens if thousands of people from losing their jobs and even President Obama has gone on record thanking Sergio for his good work. He is a hard working man who will only demand results. Yes it is sad that Luca has stepped down but all good things must one to an end. Forza Ferrari.

[roflcopter44444]

Im more worried about Luca leaving companywise rather on the sporting side. Who knows whether the new regime will be as commited to F1. Its not like Ferrari needs to stay in F1 as a promotional effort, the brand image isnt really connected to to the sport anymore.

[ferrari4life]

I see the end of Ferrari or a very long dark road ahead of us. With each passing big change I feel the road back to the top is being destroyed or getting longer. Crushed as a Ferrari fan. this is a sad day.

[Kiwi Nick]

Form a management standpoint I think it is pretty simple how this plays out.
Step 1) Luca leaves and Marchionne takes Ferrari CEO position on a temporary basis.
Step 2) Mattiacci puts new management structure in place.
Step 3) Mattiacci finds new TP for Ferrari F1.
Step 4) Marchionne steps aside and Mattacci l4aves Ferrari F1 to assume CEO position at Ferrari.

This follows a standard philosophy that says you cannot move up until you find a suitable replacement for yourself. Luca leaves, Marchionne is a place holder, New TP is hired, Mattiacci assumes CEO position. Mattiacci owes allegiance to Marchionne, new TP owes allegiance to Mattiacci. Ferrari management have interlocking loyalties and life is good. This should all happen before 1 December, perhaps even 1 November.

[Kiwi Nick]

I see the end of Ferrari or a very long dark road ahead of us. With each passing big change I feel the road back to the top is being destroyed or getting longer. Crushed as a Ferrari fan. this is a sad day.

Well, your choices are clear...get over it, or cheer for Merc/RBR/Macca...your choice. Like it or not, F1 has become a big boys game and this is how big boys play. If you think this is rough, imagine how Mercedes and Honda play. Actually, Gene Haas may be the big loser if he made his deal with Luca and not Mattiacci.

[ferrari4life]

Well, your choices are clear...get over it, or cheer for Merc/RBR/Macca...your choice. Like it or not, F1 has become a big boys came and this is how big boys play. If you think this is rough, imagine how Mercedes and Honda play. Actually, Gene Haas may be the big loser if he made his deal with Luca and not Mattiacci.

dude, what the heck are you talking about.? are you just trolling on here looking for a fight?

[Sab_g]

If u dont understand the impact of this, then u simply dont understand the true tradition and legend of Ferrari.
Luca has kept alive these virtues while bringing Ferrari into the 21st century. Ferrari is the most recognized, famous brand in the world. Sure the F1 team is down, but F1 is cyclic at best. He also brought forth the last great winning group of Todt, Brawn and Michael, so the F1 team will be back. Of course he couldnt go on forever, as age and time stand still for no one. But I for 1, am very sorry to see him go. Hand picked by Enzo himself, the last of the true links to the history of Ferrari.

You did good Luca. Ciao Amice.


Very well said, forget the f1 team they'll get back to winning eventually. I see this as very bad for Ferrari as a company

[Winter]

There were rumors for some time, but still quite a bomb. His departure effects the whole sport, not just Ferrari and he surely will be missed..


Does this Marchionne have any experience from F1, or motorsports in general? If not, we need to hire some experience to our management. I doubt Mattiacci is ready to continue as a Team Principal without somebody(like Luca) with some experience by his side.

[Brembo]

We should get Flavio as an advisor.

[killer]

Bad news, Luca always protected the F1 team and this might now change.

My same fear. End of the day we may end up with bad road cars and an even worse racing team. :-s

[Rishu]

Bernie Ecclestone has compared Luca di Montezemolo's resignation as Ferrari president to the death of the company's founder in 1988.

Montezemolo had been president for 23 years after taking charge three years after Enzo Ferrari's death to help turn its fortunes around. He transformed losses into profits in the road car division and by the end of the decade had ended the F1 team's 15-year drought without a title.

Montezemolo first worked for Ferrari in 1973 when he guided the F1 team to championship success with Niki Lauda at the wheel. Ecclestone, who has often clashed with Montezemolo over the direction of F1, said his resignation will be a big shock for both the team and the man.

"I first met Luca in 1973. So yeah, it's a pity. We're going to miss him," Ecclestone told Reuters. "His leaving is for me the same as Mr Enzo dying. He has become Ferrari. You see him, you see Ferrari. You don't see anything else. You don't see Luca."

Ex-FIA president Max Mosley - another old adversary of Montezemolo - said Ferrari had not been the same since Jean Todt left after Michael Schumacher's period of domination in the early 2000s.

"I suppose we're approaching the end of an era in F1, dear old Luca, it started back when we were all so young," Mosley said. "But in truth, Ferrari have never been quite the same since Jean left. If they want to win races again they need to find another outstanding manager."



http://i59.tinypic.com/2yueusm.jpg

[Hornet]

Luca DM was the only remaining link to Enzo who build Ferrari out of his passion for racing. That's the difference between Luca and a typical corporate CEO.And I believe this is why Luca took such an active role in F1. Early this year, Luca was calling for the sport to come together and have discussions about the future. I don't see any other company's leader doing this.

But what I dislike the most is FIAT walking all over Ferrari. Luca have kept Ferrari somewhat independent of FIAT (apart from the ownership of course), and sadly this looks like it will change. FIAT pushing Luca out and putting their CEO in charge, it's like they are taking full control of Ferrari now and heaven knows what they are trying to do next.

Just IMO, but that's how I feel about the whole thing. A FIAT CEO taking over Ferrari is an idea I dislike. It's just very unfortunate that FIAT can walk all over Ferrari just like that.

[Brembo]

On the same day Tues. Sept 10th, that Luca resigns from Ferrari , Santander's long time Pres. Emilio Botin died from a heart attack at age 79. . He was a huge fan of F1, and especially a big Alonso fan. I can only wonder how this will affect Ferrari and what affect this has on Alonso's future with us . His daughter Ana has since replaced him. As far as sponsors with Ferrari , Sergio M is on the board of Marlboro "Philip Morris", who still sponsor Ferrari through 2015. This guy is something else!!

[crn12]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UjEr7cFkHNM

The above is a short video of LDM resigning & Sergio

[Senna4Ever]

LdM represents a historical area of Ferrari history ... and especially also with the F1 part ... but it only became that well and worked out so well due to some other people joining: Todt (where also Berger and Lauda were involved), Brawn, Schumi ... And as some might remember in the late 80ies and first half of the 90ies it doesn't look so well even with LdM on top ...

Despite of that: Ferrari as a luxury sports car manufacturer developed pretty good (thanks also to economy of the rising of new markets .... there is a reason why i.e. Ferrari entertainment park is build in the dessert of VAE close to IKEA market where a bottle of water costs more than 1 liter of gasoline)

But in fact: if you saw LdM you saw Ferrari too ... the new man will have to fill big foot prints ...

By some comments I think it should be better we close the garage and say goodbye as with LdM leaving everything is lost ... so far to comments about no person is bigger than Ferrari itself ...
And if only Ferrari can do well in hands of LdM then - oh thank god - we haven't lost him due to a tragic circumstances which happen every day ... as we would have standing there without any leadership and headless without any preparation by sudden ...

and how many have criticised him here in the early past for too less intervention against new rules etc.





Wait... what?

you should follow our private investigators in this thread .... then you know more about it Rumours and Silly Season (http://www.thescuderia.net/forums/showthread.php/31541-Rumours-and-2015-Silly-Season?p=857032#post857032)

[eddie]

Luca DM was the only remaining link to Enzo who build Ferrari out of his passion for racing. That's the difference between Luca and a typical corporate CEO.And I believe this is why Luca took such an active role in F1. Early this year, Luca was calling for the sport to come together and have discussions about the future. I don't see any other company's leader doing this.

But what I dislike the most is FIAT walking all over Ferrari. Luca have kept Ferrari somewhat independent of FIAT (apart from the ownership of course), and sadly this looks like it will change. FIAT pushing Luca out and putting their CEO in charge, it's like they are taking full control of Ferrari now and heaven knows what they are trying to do next.

Just IMO, but that's how I feel about the whole thing. A FIAT CEO taking over Ferrari is an idea I dislike. It's just very unfortunate that FIAT can walk all over Ferrari just like that.

Indeed, I feel the same.

Both Companies very different.

FIAT or FCA should have given LdM a protégé or ask him to draw out a succession plan.

Now that the old master is leaving the house in new hands, that's the biggest worrying factor for Ferrari.

One thing for sure it will not be long and we will see a dilution of Ferrari DNA.

Probably the end of the Enzo legacy in running things...

[mirafiori]

I can see that some of you are not happy with this change and I think it is because you see Fiat as a rubbish company with rubbish cars. The fact is Fiat has always been the boss of Ferrari, if you are worried about the future then that's your problem, Fiat will protect Ferrari, Fiat will put all their resources behind Ferrari to get the team back to the top. Bernie said it's a said day Luca has stepped down, I also think Bernie will be worried in dealing with Sergio, this man Sergio will not take any prisoners, when he dealt with the American government he got them to hand over 30 per cent of the company for nothing, deal of the century but Fiat is investing billions of dollars into Chrysler and over the last six years the results are stunning. Yes it is sad Luca has stepped down but it is time for Change.

[Stormsearcher]

I can see that some of you are not happy with this change and I think it is because you see Fiat as a rubbish company with rubbish cars. The fact is Fiat has always been the boss of Ferrari, if you are worried about the future then that's your problem, Fiat will protect Ferrari, Fiat will put all their resources behind Ferrari to get the team back to the top. Bernie said it's a said day Luca has stepped down, I also think Bernie will be worried in dealing with Sergio, this man Sergio will not take any prisoners, when he dealt with the American government he got them to hand over 30 per cent of the company for nothing, deal of the century but Fiat is investing billions of dollars into Chrysler and over the last six years the results are stunning. Yes it is sad Luca has stepped down but it is time for Change.

I hope you are right. SM has himself said that the Ferrari way would not change for the road car division. Not sure what his stand is on F1. He wont pull the plug on it. That i think we can assume safely. But will the team be a step-child here on?

[Alessandra]

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2158736-luca-di-montezemolos-departure-is-good-news-for-ferrari?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=formula-1

An interesting article I thought

[Senna4Ever]

German

Die Formel 1 gehöre zur "DNA Ferraris", und man werde weiterhin "mit allen Kräften für Erfolge arbeiten", sagt Marchionne. Eine Integration Ferraris in den Mutterkonzern Fiat schloss er aus: "Wir wollen das schützen, was hier in Maranello errichtet worden ist."

Google Translation

Formula 1 belongs to the "DNA" of Ferrari, and we will continue to "work with all forces for success," says Marchionne. An integration of Ferraris in the parent company Fiat, he denied: "We want to protect what has been built here in Maranello."

source: Motorsport-Total.com (http://www.motorsport-total.com/f1/news/2014/09/neuer-ferrari-boss-marchionne-bittet-um-geduld-14091013.html)

hope his words count ...

[coolrunnings_99]

The best way to protect things built in Maranello, is to race and be competitive in as many racing series as possible, and win races. GT, endurance series, F1 and alike.
That is DNA of Ferrari, and it must not be in any way connected to DNA button on Alfa dashboards:-D
Its a real world variable, difficult to quantify in managerial sense, darn expensive in the same sense.
Talking about it just points to an issue that there is a "outside of the box thinking group", very eagar to capitalise on "sumthin" that draws people to watch motor racing, and at the same time oblivious to the fact that its done for the sake of it, and joy of it. Not for an increase in value becuase when you say performance to a motor racing engineer you ll get a neverending stream of fire and focus aimed at attaining the fastest, lightest, most responsive solutions in order to put your guy ahead of the other guy. Performance, computes differently when lamented about in managerial niche, adding a variable that I can guarantee, MS, JT, RB, or even the other RB never knew existed.
It is hard to get, that such a decision on LdM, is motivated solely by wish for GF and its F1 stable return to its winning ways.
If it were the case, in managerial and business terms, wouldnt it be done a bit earlier than this infamous Thursday?

bye cool..

[eddie]

I can see that some of you are not happy with this change and I think it is because you see Fiat as a rubbish company with rubbish cars. The fact is Fiat has always been the boss of Ferrari, if you are worried about the future then that's your problem, Fiat will protect Ferrari, Fiat will put all their resources behind Ferrari to get the team back to the top. Bernie said it's a said day Luca has stepped down, I also think Bernie will be worried in dealing with Sergio, this man Sergio will not take any prisoners, when he dealt with the American government he got them to hand over 30 per cent of the company for nothing, deal of the century but Fiat is investing billions of dollars into Chrysler and over the last six years the results are stunning. Yes it is sad Luca has stepped down but it is time for Change.

Yes, FIAT is a rubbish Company with rubbish cars. I don't see how FIAT can protect Ferrari, its against the odds.

Its likely going to be FIAT running down Ferrari.

FIAT has almost zero presence is Asia which is the largest auto market in the world. The Koreans are milking it very well. VW and their group are also milking the market.

On the other hand, LdM has put all his blood and sweat into the Company, the brand name is so strong and at its strongest peak.

I asked my 4 year old nephew,... name me 3 sport cars.... guess what, Ferrari came 1st.

Where do you think this came from if not for Enzo, LdM and those great men and women who served day and night at Maranello.

Who do we think can fix the issues at F1... a lot of us blamed it on SD, Massa and etc... said that things will improve after SD, Massa, Aldo and the list goes. Sack him, sack them all.... blah blah blah

Guess what, things are getting worse after SD and his men....

MM doesn't speak much and I have not seen his leadership working either.

We will prob drop to 5th rank at WCC by the last race if not for Alonso's magic....

LdM should be the last man to leave Maranello.... The man is a Legend!

A survey was done on Ferrari as a brand... it was outstanding by all points.... Ferrari pasta anyone!

[Kiwi Nick]

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2158736-luca-di-montezemolos-departure-is-good-news-for-ferrari?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=formula-1

An interesting article I thought

On balance, a pretty good article.

[Aberracus]

On balance, a pretty good article.

I would say I concur with the article. LdM has been great for Ferrari but not any more.
Let's hope for a better future now.

[mirafiori]

Yes, FIAT is a rubbish Company with rubbish cars. I don't see how FIAT can protect Ferrari, its against the odds.

Its likely going to be FIAT running down Ferrari.

FIAT has almost zero presence is Asia which is the largest auto market in the world. The Koreans are milking it very well. VW and their group are also milking the market.

On the other hand, LdM has put all his blood and sweat into the Company, the brand name is so strong and at its strongest peak.

I asked my 4 year old nephew,... name me 3 sport cars.... guess what, Ferrari came 1st.

Where do you think this came from if not for Enzo, LdM and those great men and women who served day and night at Maranello.

Who do we think can fix the issues at F1... a lot of us blamed it on SD, Massa and etc... said that things will improve after SD, Massa, Aldo and the list goes. Sack him, sack them all.... blah blah blah

Guess what, things are getting worse after SD and his men....

MM doesn't speak much and I have not seen his leadership working either.

We will prob drop to 5th rank at WCC by the last race if not for Alonso's magic....

LdM should be the last man to leave Maranello.... The man is a Legend!

A survey was done on Ferrari as a brand... it was outstanding by all points.... Ferrari pasta anyone!

Well that is your opinion to say Fiat is a rubbish company, which make rubbish cars is not fair, I totally disagree with you Fiat is a fantastic company. Over the last 6 years fiat have put all there energy in making Fiat strong on North America and I will admit they ave not done a good job in Europe but now they are established in the USA Fiat can now concentrate on the home market, Fiat are massive in many countries around the world, for example Fiat sell more cars in Brazil than anyone else, Fiat cars is only a small part of the Fiat empire. You should Google what Fiat do it would surprise a lot of people. Anyway Fiat make reliable cars, in fact more reliable than Mercedes and BMW and Audi, and would you say those cars are rubbish too. Sergio will return Ferrari to the top.

[Hornet]

Sergio will return Ferrari to the top.

You keep saying that as if this move has got anything to do with F1. No business owner replace a company chairman because of some sporting result. This is all about money, FIAT couldn't care less about F1.

[Ed Harley]

IMHO it is in Fiat's best interest to have Ferrari to do well in F1 since Ferrari and racing go hand in hand. If Fiat do no longer care about Ferrari then that is another question altogether.

[steelstallions]

Yes, FIAT is a rubbish Company with rubbish cars. I don't see how FIAT can protect Ferrari, its against the odds.

Its likely going to be FIAT running down Ferrari.

FIAT has almost zero presence is Asia which is the largest auto market in the world. The Koreans are milking it very well. VW and their group are also milking the market.

On the other hand, LdM has put all his blood and sweat into the Company, the brand name is so strong and at its strongest peak.

I asked my 4 year old nephew,... name me 3 sport cars.... guess what, Ferrari came 1st.

Where do you think this came from if not for Enzo, LdM and those great men and women who served day and night at Maranello.

Who do we think can fix the issues at F1... a lot of us blamed it on SD, Massa and etc... said that things will improve after SD, Massa, Aldo and the list goes. Sack him, sack them all.... blah blah blah

Guess what, things are getting worse after SD and his men....

MM doesn't speak much and I have not seen his leadership working either.

We will prob drop to 5th rank at WCC by the last race if not for Alonso's magic....

LdM should be the last man to leave Maranello.... The man is a Legend!

A survey was done on Ferrari as a brand... it was outstanding by all points.... Ferrari pasta anyone!

You really have no clue what your talking about AT ALL! Ferrari would be nothing without FIAT buying them out and providing the structure for them to flourish. FIAT under Marchionne have not only turned around an almost inevitable bankruptcy but by obtaining Chrysler for a song are now the SEVENTH BIGGEST CAR MANUFACTURER IN THE WORLD. Bigger than Mercedes!! They have Ferrari, Jeep, Dodge, Alfa Romeo, Maserati to name a few under the FIAT umbrella, LOOK IT UP!

[Hornet]

While it's true that it would be great for the company image to win in F1, the concern is that, what happens if Ferrari have to endure another 10-15 years of struggle in the sport. Will FIAT be willing to continue pumping money into Ferrari's F1 program, or will they decide it's too expensive and choose to do something cheaper with better chance of success. AS we've seen with companies like Toyota and BMW, these companies are only in for business reasons, and when they are not winning, they pull out of the sport altogether. That's how business works, and FIAT is a business only company who cares about money.

I'm not expecting FIAT to immediately end Ferrari's F1 program, but the real test will come if our F1 program requires many more years to return to the top. How long will FIAT be willing to wait? The people in Ferrari may be willing to keep racing whatever happens, but as we've seen, if FIAT says no, they will get their way.

[Ed Harley]

Perhaps a kick in the posterior by Fiat is what is also needed at Ferrari to put their act together.

[REDARMYSOJA]

Strange how all of a sudden Luca's departure has become about the F1 team, when we have been told all along the F1 team has nothing to do with the decision.

[bondilad]

While it's true that it would be great for the company image to win in F1, the concern is that, what happens if Ferrari have to endure another 10-15 years of struggle in the sport. Will FIAT be willing to continue pumping money into Ferrari's F1 program, or will they decide it's too expensive and choose to do something cheaper with better chance of success. AS we've seen with companies like Toyota and BMW, these companies are only in for business reasons, and when they are not winning, they pull out of the sport altogether. That's how business works, and FIAT is a business only company who cares about money.

I'm not expecting FIAT to immediately end Ferrari's F1 program, but the real test will come if our F1 program requires many more years to return to the top. How long will FIAT be willing to wait? The people in Ferrari may be willing to keep racing whatever happens, but as we've seen, if FIAT says no, they will get their way.

According to our new president:

"Montezemolo explained to me that we are bound by contracts with Ecclestone to stay in F1 at least until 2020," Marchionne told Italian reporters, "but for me it should be much longer.

"If it was up to me it would be 120 years."

hope he's a man of his words. Nothings guaranteed though :Hmm

http://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/now-montezemolo-exit-rocks-crisis-struck-ferrari/?v=2&s=1

[Greig]

The fact is Fiat has always been the boss of Ferrari

No they have not.

[Tony]

While it's true that it would be great for the company image to win in F1, the concern is that, what happens if Ferrari have to endure another 10-15 years of struggle in the sport. Will FIAT be willing to continue pumping money into Ferrari's F1 program, or will they decide it's too expensive and choose to do something cheaper with better chance of success. AS we've seen with companies like Toyota and BMW, these companies are only in for business reasons, and when they are not winning, they pull out of the sport altogether. That's how business works, and FIAT is a business only company who cares about money.

I'm not expecting FIAT to immediately end Ferrari's F1 program, but the real test will come if our F1 program requires many more years to return to the top. How long will FIAT be willing to wait? The people in Ferrari may be willing to keep racing whatever happens, but as we've seen, if FIAT says no, they will get their way.

As long as the F1 program generates enough cash from its share of the TV revenue, sponsorships, gate revenue and merchandising I don't think FIAT has to worry about pulling Ferrari out of F1. From what I remember the F1 program was still profitable for Ferrari?

[mirafiori]

No they have not.
I have said for a long time now consistently Fiat are the pay masters the boss etc, ok if you back to the very beginning Enzo Ferrari created this amazing brand, for me the greatest brand, better than coca cola better than Apple but since Luca has been at Ferrari Fiat gave always been there with him. I now say thankyou to Luca and we hand the baton over to Sergio.

[mirafiori]

I have said for a long time now consistently Fiat are the pay masters the boss etc, ok if you back to the very beginning Enzo Ferrari created this amazing brand, for me the greatest brand, better than coca cola better than Apple but since Luca has been at Ferrari Fiat have always been there with him. I now say thank you to Luca and we hand the baton over to Sergio.

[Nova]

But Fiat has racing history also. What would they look like
if it was them that ended the reign of Ferrari? All of the world loves Ferrari,
but nowhere in the world as much as in Italy. Ferrari is almost religion
there. If they harmed Ferrari, they would be doing more harm to themselves.
Then again, where money is concerned, the brains and heart tend to be elsewhere.

[Brembo]

We need our sponsors Philip Morris, Santander and the rest to stay alive. Sergio is the man to keep $$$ comming in. He's hooked up big time all over the world. Luca left at 67 yrs. old in good health. That's all that counts. A believe were in better shape with Sergio now 2014.

[The Architect]

5934

I found this floating around elsewhere. A poignant reminder that it is truly the end of an era.

[stefa]

5934

I found this floating around elsewhere. A poignant reminder that it is truly the end of an era.

...those were the days....

[mirafiori]

Well I have just returned from Italy and as you would expect this has been big news, many people I spoke to during and after the race at Monza were not happy with the performance of the Ferrari, we were completely destroyed by the opposition. Sergio then said we can not carry on like this, Ferrari must win, we have to win, we have the best drivers there can be no excuses and no one is indispensable. The rest is history. The thing is, as I have said in a previous post Luca has also spent a lot of energy on Italo Italy's private high speed trains but I was told this venture is not doing very well, combine this with Ferrari F1 team and you can see people are getting fed up and change was always going to happen. Sergio will take over for now but remember he also has a boss, John Elkann 38 years old, very intelligent, one of the world most powerful businessman he was chosen by his grandfather Gianni Agnelli to run the Fiat empire. Forza Ferrari.

[ManFromMilan]

As long as the new management puts Ferrari at the pinnacle of F1, where they belong, i don't really care.

Being at the front again in F1 would do the memory of Enzo Ferrari more good than just looking back at old photos and trying to not change.

[coolrunnings_99]

bah...


FORZA FERRARI !

there is no other way around it:ferrarifl

[eddie]

Mirafiori,

Just look at this.... you think one bit the new bosses are going to pull up their sleeves to do this... think again!


http://youtu.be/bEEbngnLTI0

Yes, Ferrari must win... you would think if LdM with all his experience cant win, Sergio can?

Lets see, we bookmark this thread and check back here next season or the season after or Ferrari will to remain in F1....

I have personally met the man, LdM; Spoken with him on many occasions... trust me no one else wants to win more!

Well like I said earlier, lets see....

[eddie]

You really have no clue what your talking about AT ALL! Ferrari would be nothing without FIAT buying them out and providing the structure for them to flourish. FIAT under Marchionne have not only turned around an almost inevitable bankruptcy but by obtaining Chrysler for a song are now the SEVENTH BIGGEST CAR MANUFACTURER IN THE WORLD. Bigger than Mercedes!! They have Ferrari, Jeep, Dodge, Alfa Romeo, Maserati to name a few under the FIAT umbrella, LOOK IT UP!

I don't have to look it up... funding is one thing, running it is another.

Doesn't mean you throw money into a game, you will win the game.

Ferrari isn't an ordinary car company, it has great racing legacy and its prestigious.

Any movement out of its current DNA will KO the Company.

Do you know the best part about buying a Ferrari is the killing wait... Its special.

If everyone can get one in a week if they have money, the exclusivity is lost... and customers might as well just buy a Porsche.

Guess the waiting list for a Speciale in Asia.... 2 months? 3 months? 6 months?

No, no months... if you don't already own a Ferrari, you wont get a Speciale.

By the way, I got a 695 Tributo off the shelves, no wait... nothing, FIAT just wanted to create a limited mass production over priced 500 leaching off Ferrari.

They have a Maserati version too btw...

That's FIAT and that's Ferrari if you don't already know...

There are Companies that buyer smaller ones but never try to change its original DNA.

Richemont bought Panerai (a nearly bankrupt Italian watch company) and left it to Signori Bonati... doing well, more than well if you ask me.

Time will tell, lets see.....

[mirafiori]

Mirafiori,

Just look at this.... you think one bit the new bosses are going to pull up their sleeves to do this... think again!

http://youtu.be/bEEbngnLTI0

Yes, Ferrari must win... you would think if LdM with all his experience cant win, Sergio can?

Lets see, we bookmark this thread and check back here next season or the season after or Ferrari will to remain in F1....

I have personally met the man, LdM; Spoken with him on many occasions... trust me no one else wants to win more!

Well like I said earlier, lets see....

Thankyou eddie for sharing the video and you can clearly see the passion Luca has for Ferrari. We all agree Luca has been fantastic for Ferrari, also Ferrari has just posted 14.5% increase in turnover for the first 6 months of 2014. At Luca last board meeting this news has just been presented to the public.

[eddie]

Thankyou eddie for sharing the video and you can clearly see the passion Luca has for Ferrari. We all agree Luca has been fantastic for Ferrari, also Ferrari has just posted 14.5% increase in turnover for the first 6 months of 2014. At Luca last board meeting this news has just been presented to the public.

You are welcome my friend :-) Yes, its great news....!

I hope this results will bring better motivations to all the men and women working in Maranello and those working for the prancing horse all around the world.

Forza forza forza Ferrari.... and the legacy must continue.....

[mirafiori]

You are welcome my friend :-) Yes, its great news....!

I hope this results will bring better motivations to all the men and women working in Maranello and those working for the prancing horse all around the world.

Forza forza forza Ferrari.... and the legacy must continue.....
You know eddie we all have different opinions but in the end we all want the best for Ferrari.

[eddie]

You know eddie we all have different opinions but in the end we all want the best for Ferrari.

I agree on the opinion, but maybe I think its too much risk and I am worried for Ferrari.

It would have been more comfortable if Ferrari was handed down to a protégé... a proper succession plan. Like Enzo to LdM, instructions, ideas, believes and more...

We seems to be cutting or letting important people go too easy, very abrupt... this is not too good for any Company or business.

[Brembo]

It was money that got us Alonso. Santander paying millions to Kimi to stay home. Alonso is our only joy at Ferrari come racetime. Sergio IMO fits the bill to keep Ferrari going strong. F1 is about $$$ like it or not. Getting important people to stay with us is about $$$. Luca wasn't designing chassies or engines. I wish him the best, but we needed the change. The proof being , look where we are in the standings! WCC , way behind. Alonso can't do it alone. I also believe if we have Flavio alongside Sergio as a Mgr. no one, will come close to beating us for a long time.

[sav_pap]

I wonder who's next ?? Berlousconi maybe and then Obama???

[Alessandra]

I wonder who's next ?? Berlousconi maybe and then Obama???

Can't see why not!
:-D

[Brembo]

We need Jay Z and Beonce, they have enough $$ to get us back on track .

[Nova]

Good article on Pitpass by Mike Lawerence about the new head of Ferrari and tradition.
Makes ya wonder just what this guy will actually do to Ferrari.

[GrndLkNatv]

I am still stunned over this announcement.. I wrote Mr. M on Sunday night, took a while to come up with some simple words that would express my thanks, and Monday morning when I woke up he had already responded. I am sad to see him leave and I pray that the passion he helped to create and that he lived, will continue..


If Ferrari is going to be run like Fiat, then its game over very soon....

Ferrari has been very successful for many years now, hope all those doesn't go to past quickly with new hands.

Also received news that Santander boss has passed, the future of Ferrari in F1 is going to be very shaky.........

[eugene22n]

To be crystal clear, Ferrari fell very far behind in simulation and wind-tunnel technology as pointed out by some of the other posters here.

Indeed many years behind.

That lack of financial investment was a responsibility of Luca.

[Kiwi Nick]

To be crystal clear, Ferrari fell very far behind in simulation and wind-tunnel technology as pointed out by some of the other posters here.

Indeed many years behind.

That lack of financial investment was a responsibility of Luca.

It was more than a financial thing, Luca did no t really believe that those disciplines were a substitute for track testing, and so did not throw his full support behind them.

[abbottcostello]

Ferrari without Luca will take some getting used to, really gonna miss his flair & overall just his presence. I hope they know what they are doing & it all turns for the better.

Maybe this will lead to a movement to have Luca take over F1 from Bernie, he has a lot of passion left for the sport & I think he'd be the best to take it over. Plus side we'd still get to see & hear from him, downside is we'd quite possibly grow to dislike him for any unpopular decisions.

[vcs316]

Todt tips Ferrari to end crisis quickly

Jean Todt insists Ferrari is not in the sort of crisis today that he found at Maranello more than two decades ago.

The Frenchman, now FIA president, said any comparison between when he was drafted in by Luca di Montezemolo to rebuild the team in 1993 and Ferrari's current situation "makes me smile".

"I think Ferrari, today, does not need an awful lot to put things back in order," Todt, who presided over Ferrari throughout its ultra-successful Michael Schumacher era until last decade, told the Italian newspaper Il Giornale.

Ferrari, having failed to win a drivers' title since 2007 and faltering at the start of the all-new V6 era, has shed multiple top personnel this season including team boss Stefano Domenicali and now long-time president Montezemolo.

But Todt, 68, insists: "This is absolutely not (comparable to) the situation I found when I arrived in 1993 at a completely devastated myth."

Others, however, including former team driver Alain Prost, have compared Ferrari's troubles in 2014 to the shambolic 1991 season, when he was fired for criticising the state of the car and team.

"I disagree," Todt said.

"I find all these criticisms of Ferrari today unjust," he insisted.

"When (Fernando) Alonso retired at Monza, he was the driver who until then had the record for the most number of grands prix always in the points," said Todt.

"But when I started, it was a miracle if the car finished the race."

However, Todt does not criticise Fiat-Chrysler chairman Sergio Marchionne for removing Montezemolo, undoubtedly the man most universally recognised as representing the past and present of Ferrari.

"Montezemolo has been president for 23 years," said Todt, "which is a very long time.

"At some point, in large groups, this (sort of change) is normal. Even for myself, I always knew that a period eventually closes."

Meanwhile, Todt was present for the first ever race of the FIA-sanctioned Formula E race in Beijing last weekend, and he predicts a bright future for the category.

He revealed that representatives of many car manufacturers were all also present, including those from Japan but also from "France, Germany and China".

(GMM)

[abbottcostello]

I think Todt summed it up accurately. I've just never had the feeling the team was completely adrift these last few years, just slightly missing the mark.

[REDARMYSOJA]

It is amazing how some people keep wanting to make this about the F1 team, when it had nothing to do with it.

[Sab_g]

It is amazing how some people keep wanting to make this about the F1 team, when it had nothing to do with it.

Sergio just used it as an excuse to get his hands on Ferrari road cars

[mirafiori]

Sergio just used it as an excuse to get his hands on Ferrari road cars
Well we will have to wait and see if Sergio is only interested in Ferrari road cars, at the moment Ferrari produce around 7, 000 cars a year. I see nothing wrong if production was increased by an extra 100 cars a year. it is important Ferrari keep it's exclusivity.

[Sab_g]

Well we will have to wait and see if Sergio is only interested in Ferrari road cars, at the moment Ferrari produce around 7, 000 cars a year. I see nothing wrong if production was increased by an extra 100 cars a year. it is important Ferrari keep it's exclusivity.

I think he wants to increase it to 10,000 cars a year, I just hope he doesn't start sharing any of ferrari's platforms with any of the other brands that are part of FIAT

[mirafiori]

I think he wants to increase it to 10,000 cars a year, I just hope he doesn't start sharing any of ferrari's platforms with any of the other brands that are part of FIAT

I totally agree with you, 50% increase is way too much, lets wait and see what happens next but Sergio is not stupid.

[eddie]

Actually if they want to increase the production of high performance road cars, the Group should do this to Maserati.

But I read somewhere that the Group wants to benchmark Maserati against RR and Bentley. To me its a lost cause. Those two are in the extreme premier league. Royalties used them as their chariots.

Maserati should stick to their lineage and heritage, not try to copy others.

Today Maserati is seen by many as 2nd to Ferrari. So its good if this brand goes mass production.

Keep the Ferrari brand exclusive.

Guess Sergio would have already know this with his think tank team....

[Brembo]

I totally agree with you, 50% increase is way too much, lets wait and see what happens next but Sergio is not stupid.

As you say, 50% is a lot. Sergio is very smart for sure. He asks for 50% so Ferrari can feel an accomplishment only increasing production to say 25%, which is all he actually wants. Again I think as long as the price of a Ferrari stays the same or higher, they will always be an exclusive car to own. Name a Fiat or other run of the mill car @ $200, + Oh, if anything should change in production, a Ferrari should only come in RED ! :rotfl

[coolrunnings_99]

"Its not what is said, its always who says it"...is an old proverb round these parts.

There were FIAT and Ferrari partnerships, darn good ones..V6 Dino engine, 246 Dino, and its Fiat sibling using the same powerplant.It was also used in F2 racing.
Then there was Lancia Thema 8.32 with 328 v8 engine, well it was a matter of taste, I loved it, even driven one (the car in question was well away of his best befor date, but one gets the idea:-D.

High strung profit adictions have proven time and time again to wreak havoc on something built with love and completly out of profit goggles perspective.

bye cool..

[Brembo]

"Its not what is said, its always who says it"...is an old proverb round these parts.

There were FIAT and Ferrari partnerships, darn good ones..V6 Dino engine, 246 Dino, and its Fiat sibling using the same powerplant.It was also used in F2 racing.
Then there was Lancia Thema 8.32 with 328 v8 engine, well it was a matter of taste, I loved it, even driven one (the car in question was well away of his best befor date, but one gets the idea:-D.

High strung profit adictions have proven time and time again to wreak havoc on something built with love and completly out of profit goggles perspective.

bye cool..
Makes sense for sure. Lack of profits is also the downfall and demise and even bankruptcy of any business, not only the auto bus. Especially concerning top designers and engineers, that will not work without recognition in the form of higher salarys, and state of the art equipment avavilable. Everything cost more than before. When it comes to $$$, nostalgia is out the door. The old Elvis song comes to mind , " Money honey, if you wanta get along with me."