Q & A with Luca di Montezemolo

Luca di Montezemolo: We have always few sponsors - with the same characteristics. They are leaders of the world, with international presence and when possible, with red colours. Santander has got all three.

Q. What does it mean to have an Italian driver racing for Ferrari at Monza?

LDM: Ferrari has always been pushed to have an Italian driver. I was always pleased with my drivers. We have the world champion of two years ago, and we have the driver who, when he crossed the finish line in Brazil, he was world champion for 15 seconds - unfortunately only 15. So we have really fantastic drivers.

Having said that, unfortunately due to the crash of Felipe, I am very happy to have a competitive expert Italian driver in a red Ferrari at Monza. This is very good for the public and I think he can very well replace Felipe while we wait for him to come back - and he will be our third driver next year.

Q. What about the rumours about Fernando Alonso?

LDM: You are very young, I am very old, and this is old news. Every year it is the same. We have two drivers, now three, plus also we are close to having Michael so we have a lot of drivers - this is not a problem for us now.

Q. Are you convinced that Felipe Massa will return next year?

LDM: Yes. Absolutely. 100 percent. I am convinced but this is less important because he is convinced also.

Q. It's a miraculous recovery?

LDM: To be honest, yes. But having said that, when I have seen him twice in hospital in Budapest I was confident for this. I spoke with him half an hour ago. He is back at home after the operation, which was basically plastic surgery. And I think that maybe in one week's time he can start his personal training, although he is training a lot with video games. We are lucky and he is lucky because he does not remember anything of the accident, so he will be very motivated. I am sure he will be quicker than before.

Q. So you are saying that it will not be before 2011 that Fernando Alonso can join you?

LDM: You know, I never like to talk on the driver side. Whenever we take some decision we will inform you in the proper way at the right moment.

Q. Would you still like to see Michael Schumacher back one day?

LDM: I told him last night and this morning in my office in Maranello to be careful with his motorcycle racing - you are going too far and you have to be fit sooner or later to be back in F1.