Ferrari pays tribute to AUTOSPORT

With his Maranello-based team picking up a Gregor Grant trophy in honour of the 80 years of magic that Ferrari has delivered in both its road car and racing exploits, di Montezemolo recognised the historic parallels between Ferrari's entry into F1 and the arrival of AUTOSPORT in 1950.

"I am really sorry not be with you tonight at such an important evening - an important evening for us, for Ferrari, because thanks to AUTOSPORT we celebrate 80 years of the Scuderia," said di Montezemolo in the video transmission.

"Eighty years are many years and if I think of the beginning, if I think of the dream of a visionary man like Enzo Ferrari and I think where we are now after so many years, I think all of you have to be very proud.

"I think we have to thank all the men and the women that it these years have done a lot to create maintain and develop the Ferrari myth all over the world.

"It is also an important evening for AUTOSPORT and I am very pleased to share this evening with all of you because our F1 activity has started in 1950, so 60 years ago, and in the same year AUTOSPORT was born.

"So congratulations, best wishes and Happy Birthday even to AUTOSPORT not only Ferrari."

Di Montezemolo said he also hoped that Ferrari and F1 could look forward to a brighter future, after this season's campaign was marred by off track politics.

"What I hope to be in front of a new season with less polemics, less controversies, more clear rules and with the sport at the centre of our activity, of this fantastic sport that is F1," he said.

"That means technology, means innovation, means competition, means sport competition between drivers and cars. So thank you again, sorry to not be with you and all the best to all of you."