Montezemolo puts Scuderia's performances into perspective

In an interview with the American media CNN, Luca di Montezemolo indulged in some confidences regarding the checkered performances of the Team in recent years, and particularly since the start of this season. Asked if the 2012 championship is still relevant, the Italian remains confident and puts things into perspective: “Definitely yes, it's possible. We have to try to win, and I am very proud of the fact that, since 1997, and with the exception of rare occasions, Ferrari has always won or missed the title by a hair. We have always been on top. In this sport, it's hard to win, but it's even harder to consistently stay at the top. At the start of the year I was really disappointed with the car which wasn't what I was hoping for, but we have some fantastic people in our team. I push them to the maximum and they work day and night.”

The drivers are obviously not spared, although the sound of the bell, here again, changes from week to week. “ Alonso is the best driver in the world. He is one of those drivers, like Lauda or Schumacher, who have had great importance in my professional career and that of Ferrari.” This comment will please Felipe Massa, who constantly takes a back seat. “I am satisfied with Massa's performance in Monaco, and I am counting on him to take valuable points from the competition. I think he will have a good second half season. Let's not forget that in 2008, he crossed the finish line as champion in Brazil, before Hamilton Don’t steal the title from him…”

Finally, Montezemolo addressed the question of the organization of the F1, in reference to the new Concorde Agreements which must come into force in 2013 and where a better distribution of TV rights must be offered to the teams. “I think there must always be a triangle: the Fia, the teams and the F1 rights owners. I have always worked like this. We must all work in the same direction, because the Concorde Agreements are vital. We need new regulations because we are spending too much money. Ferrari races because F1 is a sport, but also because it represents the most advanced technology laboratory. However, aerodynamics became too important and eventually got lost.”

In Montreal this weekend, the Scuderia will do everything possible to ensure that its driver Fernando Alonso retains the lead in the championship, a situation that no one would have thought possible at the start of the season.