Montezemolo says Ferrari doesn't need Newey to return to the top

With Ferrari having high hopes that an innovative approach to next year's car design can help it end Red Bull Racing's dominance, di Montezemolo is confident that its approach and infrastructure is enough already for it to be successful.

When asked if Ferrari was interested in luring Newey away from Red Bull Racing, di Montezemolo said: "Of course yes. But this is the same it has been for 20 years - to have the best technicians, and the best drivers.

"I respect all that he did. It is more or less the same with the drivers, but I am also absolutely confident that, with all respect to Adrian Newey, we can have a very competitive car next year because I know my people and don't underestimate that from 2000 until now, how many championships we have won in the last 11 years.

"I have a big opinion of Adrian Newey, but I am pleased and happy with my technicians and pleased to have the best driver in the world that is Fernando and also pleased to see, particularly in the second half of this season, a good reaction from Felipe."

Di Montezemolo believes the fact that Ferrari has fought for the championship regularly over the last decade means he sees every reason why it can be successful again in 2011.

Laying out his targets for next year, he said: "To win. I am unhappy because this year we have not got since the beginning a competitive car. I am tired to lose the championship at the last race; it has happened too many times in the last years.

"You remember what happened to Felipe in 2008, not 20 years ago, what happened to Fernando last year in Abu Dhabi. So for next year I expect a competitive car with clear rules, and with clear interpretation of the rules that was not the same in 2009. So I hope that we can have clear rules and to make a condition to win again the championship now."

Di Montezemolo also declined to comment about increasing speculation he may look at running for Italian Prime Minister in the next few years.

When asked about how strong his commitment to Ferrari was, he said: "Very much. More than ever. Look at this weekend, before yesterday we presented to 400 clients the new 458 Spyder. Today we have the weekend of passion which is always the same.

"On Monday I will fly to Frankfurt for the motorshow. I am very, very busy with Ferrari. I am [also] happy because being part-time chairman of Fiat I can give all my time to Ferrari, first of all to come back to the championship next year."