Ferrari President Hails Todt's Role

Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo has claimed that Michael Schumacher and Ferrari's success would not have happened without the team's sporting director Jean Todt.

Di Montezemolo insisted after Schumacher wrapped up a record-equalling fifth world title in France that Todt is the main link in Ferrari's success story.

"I think that without Jean Todt, Ferrari was never able to win as Ferrari won, so I have to thank Todt and on his behalf all the people of the team," di Montezemolo said. "To do fantastic cars you need fantastic team spirit and fantastic persons. Thank God we have got them."

Di Montezemolo also heaped praise on the entire Ferrari team and admitted that he did not expect to see the Italian outfit dominate the 2002 season like they have.

"For me today is a fantastic emotion because to be very honest with you, I did not expect at the beginning of the season, after three important seasons like 99, 2000 and 2001 to win in this way," he added.

"For me the fantastic satisfaction that because behind this victory there is a spirit, there is a fantastic team, there is really good fantastic persons and the best driver that has ever driven a Ferrari in Ferrari history."

Di Montezemolo went further on his lauding of Schumacher, who lifted his third successive title with Ferrari to join Argentine Juan Manuel Fangio in the record books with five world crowns. He claimed that the German is the best driver he has seen in his life and insisted that Schumacher rightfully deserves his place in Formula One's history books.

"He's the best driver I've ever seen in my life, particularly in the race, with the capability to maintain a qualifying lap for 70 laps without making mistakes," di Montezemolo said. "I think that he's the driver who has always been very close to the team, very close to the spirit of the team, particularly in the difficult moments.

"And last but not least, he's a guy who understands that to win today is important to have a strong car and a strong team and I respect him for this and I'm very, very happy for him. He's in the history of Formula One."

Di Montezemolo had been said to be ready to step down as president of Ferrari at the end of the season, but he refused to be drawn when questioned, instead choosing to bask in the glory.

"The situation is that now we concentrate on celebrating this fantastic important victory and then we will think of the future," he said.