Montezemolo speaks again.

[wisepie]

Diciamo che ha ragione lui. Ma Io penso Luca comminciato a bere troppo vino, e poi detto troppo. Questo mio augurio si preghiera Alonso vai capire !!

So you reckon he'd been on the vino, brembo man, and his tongue ran away with him? Oh well, in my experience that's when the truth comes out! Salute to that!

[demon2424]

Earlier he said that he has the faith in the team, and it was time for some results. But unfortunately, no good results. Lets hope this will be the turning point. A good start of the second half is strongly needed to boost the confidence. I am not sure about what will happen in Belgium, but hopes are there still in Italy, the home race.

[FrankAlfa]

Luca Di Montezemolo's voice MUST BE LOUD AND CLEAR! THIS TEAM MUST PRODUCE RESULTS BE WINNING RACES! NOTHING ELSE MATTERS AT THIS POINT IF FERRARI IS TO SALVAGE THIS SEASON! IF THIS DOES NOT HAPPEN, GET RID ON DOMENICALLI, TOMBAZIS AND HIRE A TEAM PRINCIPLE LIKE BRIATORE AND BE DONE WITH THIS SUFFERING!!!!!!!!!!

[F1NAC]

Luca go home you're drunk :D

[sagi58]

Looks like di Montezemolo is on a roll:

Di Montezemolo sounds off on F1

Ferrari president Luca Di Montezemolo went on record saying that while his team must still work hard to straighten up this year's F1 championship, la very much looks forward to a reduction of aerodynamic importance in 2014.

In an interview with Italian newspaper Corriere della sera, Montezemolo reiterated that every at the team must keep their heads down and try to resolve the current situation. He also said to understand Fernando Alonzo’s frustration, given that the Ferrari F138 was perhaps the best car at the beginning of the season, but that the lack of improvement put the team in a difficult situation.
Red Bull Racing on the other hand did make considerable steps forward, and the Italian knows pretty well why that is.

"I've been around in F1 for quite a while, since the Seventies, so I don't envy anyone anything. With the current regulations favoring aerodynamics, Red Bull was clever in getting a great designer, Adrian Newey, to get the most out of all aspects of the regulations. I will digress: this aspect of the rules is, in my opinion, a mistake and therefore needs changing."

With the 2014 rules focused on an entirely new drivetrain, Ferrari hopes the point of focus will shift away from aerodynamics and more into the strong points of the Italian team.

"Luckily, the hoped for changes are coming. We don't make drinks and I say that with all possible respect for those who make drinks, we are not a sponsor, but we design and build cars of the very highest order. We will stay in F1 as long as it can be considered a test bed for advanced research, the highest technology and worthwhile for a great company like Ferrari, which is known and appreciated around the world. Formula 1 also has to be a clean sport without any of the monkey business we have had to put up with in recent years. From next season, we will have a completely different F1, finally less dependent on aerodynamics. I build cars not planes. We will finally have testing again and not a farce like what we saw this year with one team doing illegal testing without even paying the right penalty for it. In this case, I would have expected more clarity and courage from the FIA. On the other hand, the benefits gained by the team that carried out the secret banned testing are watched by everyone: before then, it had not won a single grand prix, then after the test it won three out of five races. These are the sort of serious incidents that affect F1's credibility and alter the championship."

Sporting wise, Montezemolo believes that Ecclestone can only be properly replaced by a group of people, instead of a single man.

"Sooner or later a generational change always occurs. It's not too long until we reach the post-Ecclestone era for reasons of statistics. As for the rest, I don't want to talk about it. We will have to prepare for a new cycle, capable of tackling the urgent matters and the need for a new F1. I believe the management of this sport, which let's not forget is not just a show, should be entrusted to a group of men open to new ideas, who know about racing but also about marketing and communications and are sensitive to the demands of the fans, those who come to the circuits and therefore pay for the tickets and those who watch on TV, while being able to involve the sponsors and not alienate them. But be careful, I don't want to have discussions with Ecclestone, I have had some in the recent past, because he was too talkative on the subject of Ferrari, but surprisingly silent on the subject of the illegal tests carried out by Mercedes. I know Bernie's strengths and weaknesses, but let's be very clear on one point, no one else will ever do for Formula 1 what Ecclestone has done."

Inevitably, the subject of tire cropped up and their ever more important role.

"It's true, we are a bit too dependent on the tires, however at the same time, one must recognize that Pirelli has shown great courage and ability and, as Italians we must feel proud of the efforts of one of our great companies in F1. No polemics, but I have only pointed out that I don't feel it's right to change the type of tire at the midpoint of the season, for cars designed and developed with different tires, which is another element that contributes to organizing the hierarchy. And who knows if for next season, for which studies and preparation are already underway, there could not be further changes. We need clarity."

[Alonsomaniac]

THIS! ^^

Good interview Luca. Spoken like a true leader.

Indeed, that part is what it is all about: he says he does respect what Fernando is doing in the car, understands - and shares -his frustration, but he also points out that everyone, including Fernando, is a teammember and must remember at all times which name they wear on their shirt.
This also makes clear that there are no real issues between him and Fernando and that Fernando will certainly not leave Ferrari.

[shamim179]

It seems Luca is under pressure perhaps from Fiat and stakeholders? It was Luca who gave Massa continuous lifelines despite his sub par performances over the last few years, his decision to retain Stefano and his decision to dismiss Costa who seems to be doing fine at Mercedes. All three were his decisions and if they were wrong he should take responsibility for it. It was also his decision to get rid of Kimi when he was a perfectly capable driver. If certain people within the team are not telling him the truth he needs to realize that and apply decisions accordingly. No wonder he's on the defensive by trying to find faults within the team. He's definitely buddies with Stefano and hasn't said anything not even the slightest bit negative about Stefano. I think one of Stefano's strengths is that he knows what to say if he is perceived responsible for a poor performance or a poor result or anything else of a similar nature. Allison will have a tremendous task ahead of himself. Hopefully he will be given the flexibility he needs to bring the house in order. I hope there is good compliance from Pat as it does appear he has been demoted. Them two have worked together before so it shouldn't be a problem.

[FrankAlfa]

Please remember that Pat Fry is not the Technical Director or Chief Designer. Nikolas Tlombazis is that person and he is the one that has been "Demoted" something less than that. Getting rid of Costa was a bad move in hindsight. I have been saying that all year but I do not know if Costa would have been able to allow himself to be "Demoted" like Tombazis will now be. All I know is Aldo Costa has something to provre and that is he wants to beat Ferrari for asking him to go! He has a score to settle and he is proving his worth at Mercedes Right Now! He is an Engineered Scorned!!!!!! Ferrari are paying that price right now~!

As far as Pat Fry, he is not huge part of the "Design & Engineering". He is a "Manager" and little else. His work in purely in Organization and Resource Deployment. James Allison is an ACTUAL Designer! He is back at Ferrari where he belongs and hopefully hark back to the Schumacher Days.

[Nova]

Luca can say what he wants...he is who he is. All season Ferrari has been quiet..RB screamed n cried, bingo, they get good tires,
merc has secret tests and screams and cries that they shouldnt be punished...now theyre winning everything..
mabey its time Ferrari did say something. We are getting a raw deal with the tires, and I think Luca should say more...
Why not go off on Pirelli? They are the ones that have caused the most problems this year. And then theres Todt and the fia..
shame on them for allowing the crap thats been going this season...I dont think Luca has said enough. Ferrari is an
iconic mark, and truth be told, I would have little interest in F1 if they were not in it. Go ahead Luca, make my day.

[sagi58]

... We are getting a raw deal with the tires, and I think Luca should say more...
Why not go off on Pirelli? ...Go ahead Luca, make my day.

Here's hoping he's drafting that comment right now!!

[sagi58]

Hey, Nova, it would seem di Montezemolo has heard you:
It's unfortunate he didn't speak earlier!

Montezemolo slams lack of courage from FIA

Luca di Montezemolo says the FIA showed a lack of courage when dealing with the Mercedes tyre testing scandal.

Mercedes was banned from this year's Young Driver Test at Silverstone having carried out a three-day tyre test for Pirelli using a 2013 car earlier in the season. The FIA's International Tribunal handed out the punishment having apportioned some blame to Mercedes, some to Pirelli and some to the FIA itself.

However, Montezemolo says the FIA did not show enough courage to properly punish Mercedes and that the benefits are now clearly being seen despite the tyres having been altered twice since that test.

"Formula 1 also has to be a clean sport without any of the monkey business we have had to put up with in recent years," Montezemolo told Corriere della Sera. "From next season, we will have a completely different F1, finally less dependent on aerodynamics. I build cars not planes. We will finally have testing again and not a farce like what we saw this year with one team doing illegal testing without even paying the right penalty for it.

"In this case, I would have expected more clarity and courage from the FIA. On the other hand, the benefits gained by the team that carried out the secret banned testing are watched by everyone: before then, it had not won a single grand prix, then after the test it won three out of five races. These are the sort of serious incidents that affect F1's credibility and alter the championship."

[ntukza]

Guns blazing! Where was this passion and fury all this time?

[ntukza]

From next season, we will have a completely different F1, finally less dependent on aerodynamics. I build cars not planes...

Our 2014 challenger better be real good after this.

[Hermann]

[Alessandra]

Pass the bag please!

[eddie]

Seems like he is taking a potshot at both drivers but excusing Stefano to me, he should not really need to say this stuff in the media.

Very much agree. Much more distructive and open to media messing than constructive.

Just focus on fixing the car. Sometimes less is more... I think Ferrari should "go dark" for a while. Go low key.

[eddie]

Hey, Nova, it would seem di Montezemolo has heard you:
It's unfortunate he didn't speak earlier!

On the contrarary, speaking and sounding this way is good and constructive. Not only for Ferrari but for the smaller teams. There has to be fair play!

[eddie]

In my humble and very limited voice, the sport got screwed by the tyre company. Cars being built around a tyre. If you cannot adapt to the tyre, you have no competitive chance...

[mirafiori]

In my humble and very limited voice, the sport got screwed by the tyre company. Cars being built around a tyre. If you cannot adapt to the tyre, you have no competitive chance...

I would say you have a valid point.

[Hornet]

In my humble and very limited voice, the sport got screwed by the tyre company. Cars being built around a tyre. If you cannot adapt to the tyre, you have no competitive chance...

I agree, Pirelli messed up big time. The teams have build their car around the initial 2013 tire spec, we got it right, but they then changed it and it's now a mess.

It gets complicated after Silverstone, because safety became an issue, so at that point, no team can veto the changes because it's for safety now. So unfortunately we have to accept the consequence of Pirelli mistake.

[Nova]

Well why werent the tires blowing the 1st quarter of the season? We were looking good, and I think we were on the right path.
There were no blowouts.
The whole tire debacle started after RB complained. They cried..the tires mysteriously changed. Dont you think it a bit odd?
Then problems started popping up...then we got "safe" tires, now our engineers are taking the stik simply because the F138 wasnt designed on the
new "safe" tires.
Its Pirelli bowing down to pressure from a soft drink mftr. In doing so, one of their biggest clients, Ferrari, gets the shaft on the world stage.
Theres the cover up. Total blame=PIRELLI.
I dont really see how Ferrari can recover running a 2013 chassis designed around 2013 tires, racing on the 2012 tire design.
What, are they supposed to use the F2012?

[FerrariF60]

I agree, Pirelli messed up big time. The teams have build their car around the initial 2013 tire spec, we got it right, but they then changed it and it's now a mess.

It gets complicated after Silverstone, because safety became an issue, so at that point, no team can veto the changes because it's for safety now. So unfortunately we have to accept the consequence of Pirelli mistake.

I know teams have built up their cars around the tires(original ones) including Ferrari and Lotus; they too built up their car around the tires and they were the easiest on tires on the ORIGINAL tires introduced at the beginning of the season;
But one has to look at how their performance has changed when running the NEW tires, it’s almost as if it didn’t AFFECT them at all. So why can’t we a team that’s WAY bigger then Lotus can’t get or things right and adapt to the new tires just like LOTUS did??

It seems to me that Ferrari are blaming the change in tires that’s affecting their performance, but why isnt’ affecting Lotus??

[sagi58]

On the contrarary, speaking and sounding this way is good and constructive. Not only for Ferrari but for the smaller teams. There has to be fair play!

Absolutely agree with you! I just meant it's too bad he didn't speak sooner!

[aroutis]

Well why werent the tires blowing the 1st quarter of the season? We were looking good, and I think we were on the right path.
There were no blowouts.
The whole tire debacle started after RB complained. They cried..the tires mysteriously changed. Dont you think it a bit odd?
Then problems started popping up...then we got "safe" tires, now our engineers are taking the stik simply because the F138 wasnt designed on the
new "safe" tires.
Its Pirelli bowing down to pressure from a soft drink mftr. In doing so, one of their biggest clients, Ferrari, gets the shaft on the world stage.
Theres the cover up. Total blame=PIRELLI.
I dont really see how Ferrari can recover running a 2013 chassis designed around 2013 tires, racing on the 2012 tire design.
What, are they supposed to use the F2012?

I agree.

And the whole "RBR cries, RBR gets what they want, screw the rest" attitude by FIA because RBR has two teams (yep, that's all there's to it), has to stop.

This is getting out of hand and I think Ferrari needs to do something, and hopefully they will.

[eddie]

I know teams have built up their cars around the tires(original ones) including Ferrari and Lotus; they too built up their car around the tires and they were the easiest on tires on the ORIGINAL tires introduced at the beginning of the season;
But one has to look at how their performance has changed when running the NEW tires, it’s almost as if it didn’t AFFECT them at all. So why can’t we a team that’s WAY bigger then Lotus can’t get or things right and adapt to the new tires just like LOTUS did??

It seems to me that Ferrari are blaming the change in tires that’s affecting their performance, but why isnt’ affecting Lotus??

I am saying this without facts or data but who knows, lotus could well suffer from Spa onwards. But one thing for sure, Merc has gained an unfair advantage. They were no where till they started the apparent secret test...

[XXX132]

Given the unprecedented state of affairs with the tyres and their apparent effect on especially Ferrari, LdM may want to seriously start sounding off and get testing re-introduced. Otherwise after our dismal performance in Hungary (we seem as lost as ever) we may as well not bother showing up the next half of the season.

Otherwise I can summarise the rest of the season;

"We need to stay calm, understand the problems and react strongly"
"Felipe will need to improve his results"
Felipe improves his results and re-signs 1-yr contract
"We are having trouble understanding the wind tunnel correlations"
"Soon it will be the turn of others to have bad luck"
We lose the WDC by a few points.