Ferrari Set Sights on Fifth Consecutive Title

World Champions Ferrari have set their sights on clinching their fifth consecutive Constructors' Championship next season and they will not change their working methods to do it, according to their president Luca di Montezemolo.

The Italian squad have clearly dominated the last three seasons and enjoyed a record-breaking year in 2002, with German Michael Schumacher winning his fifth world title after clinching 11 wins out of 17 races.

Di Montezemolo said the team is already focused on repeating the feat next year.

"We will continue to work in this calm way in 2003," di Montezemolo said during Ferrari's traditional Christmas lunch at Maranello. "Our stated aim for next year is to win a fourth consecutive Drivers' title and a fifth consecutive Constructors' Championship.

"The opposition is strong, but that only adds to the challenge. When Ferrari loses it will be news and our job is to do all we can to delay that moment."

The Italian also said that 33-year old Schumacher, who has a contract with Ferrari until the end of 2004, can stay at the team as long as he wants.

"Irrespective of the length of his contract, Michael will always be part of Ferrari and if he wants to continue his career until he is 82, he can do it with us," di Montezemolo added. "After 82 years, I will not be responsible for what happens."