Ferrari chief Luca di Montezemolo denies plans to step down
Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo insisted on Saturday that he has no intention of stepping down from his role, as he made clear he wants to stay for three more years
Ahead of the Italian Grand Prix, there has been mounting speculation that di Montezemolo will be moved aside later this year and replaced at the head of Ferrari by Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne.
There is a Ferrari board meeting next week, but it is not expected that any plans for changes to the organisation will be finalised before the Paris motor show which starts on October 4.
Responding to the wild rumours about his future at Monza on Saturday, di Montezemolo made clear that he had no wish to step down right now, and was fully focused on the launches of new Ferrari road cars later this year.
"I have seen and heard a lot of rumours regarding myself and this often happens in the summer in Italy," said di Montezemolo during an impromptu media call in the paddock.
"But maybe this time is a little bit too much.
"I am working, and I am here not to have a vacation: I am here because we are working very hard.
"We have in front of us very important months. We will present a fantastic new car in the Paris motor show in the beginning of October.
"We will be in Los Angeles with 600 Ferraris coming from all over USA, to celebrate 60 years of Ferrari [in America]. We are preparing a unique and unbelievable car to celebrate this event, with only 10 cars for our best collectors, American collectors.
"We are also working with [Ferrari team boss] Marco Mattiacci to improve the organisation, to improve the Formula 1 team."
Di Montezemolo said that an offer he made to the Ferrari board in March to remain in charge for another three years was still valid.
"I told that I was ready to accept last March three more years to my shareholders and particularly to my people in Ferrari - the women and the men in the Ferrari. They are the most important part of my life and I took a commitment with them.
"We are preparing an historic record at the end of this year in terms of financial and economical results, so Ferrari is facing a fantastic moment.
"If and when there will be some news about me, I will be the first - I emphasise the first - to let you know."
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