Ferrari President Applauds 'Exceptional Team'

Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo applauded the efforts of the Ferrari Formula One team, thanking the two racing drivers, Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello, and sporting director Jean Todt for the double Championship titles the team has won this year, for the fourth year in a row.

Joining the team's celebrations at Mugello, Italy, this morning, di Montezemolo told reporters: "I will never grow tired of repeating it: behind exceptional triumphs there have to be exceptional people. I have to thank these three guys - Michael had an extraordinary year. Rubens went through some tough times but also gave us some marvellous moments like at Silverstone and Suzuka. He allowed us to reach our goals and, in particular, win the Constructors' title, something we have won since he arrived at Ferrari.

"Ours was a team win and that is something that gives us even more satisfaction after a trying year in which the Championship was open until the final kilometres. The regulations made things more difficult but we were always able to react. We had to win the last two races and that we did.

"In Italy the importance of small enterprises is often emphasised. We are tiny in the global auto market but we have been able to make it into the history books, chalking up some fantastic results; the satisfaction is even greater given the status of our competition.

"Five successive constructors' titles and four drivers' crowns with Michael Schumacher is a stunning achievement. This is why we are here: to share these wins and this joy with our public, our clients and our collectors...in a word, our friends."