Ferrari vow to secure Schumacher title

Schumacher, who won the race with title rival Fernando Alonso retired, has closed the gap in the points to just two.

And, having announced after the race that he will be retiring from Grand Prix racing after the end of the season, di Montezemolo has vowed to make sure the German retires as a champion one more time.

"I haven't been to a race on a Sunday for eight years," di Montezemolo said after the race. "I came here fundamentally for Michael, because obviously I knew.

"Today is a weird day: it's beautiful on one hand because it's always hard when you're obliged to win, and at Monza of all places.

"It's a clear, perfect victory, won with a hard-fought battle between two extraordinary drivers, and that has demonstrated once more Michael's strength.

"On the other hand I'm sad: you see, Schumacher for us has been more than just a driver. He has been a man especially at difficult times - when you win it's easier - and has always been close to the team, as we have been to him.

"It's intelligent of him having had the courage of making this choice in a day when he's demonstrated once more he is the best driver in the world. Especially in this race he was determined, constant, fast, very strong against Raikkonen who had his great chance of the season.

"So on one hand I'm happy because, while he was going to announce his retirement today, I'm glad it's on such an important day, for him and for Ferrari. Because in Canada we were 25 points behind, while today we've won some very important ones.

"On the other I must say I'm sorry. I even got a bit emotional. But we told the team we must do everything to make Michael win the championship to let him retire as the best driver in the world."

Di Montezemolo admitted he wanted Schumacher to continue racing for an additional season, but he said the seven-time world champion was determined to end his racing career.

"Truth be told, I was hoping he'd do perhaps one more year," the Italian said. "He told me a few weeks ago. In the month of August I worked a lot on the organization and on the future of Ferrari, independently from the drivers. He was sad but very very determined.

"Then there was all the talk - do we announce it at Monza, or at the end of the year? - it was becoming too big. It's better now that it's been announced. Now we need maximum concentration in the next races like we've had in this race.

"Ferrari look ahead, obviously. Since he's made his decision, which we have accepted, I think Ferrari have two strong, young, determined drivers, who for different reasons are hungry of victories.

"Michael has known for many many months, or I should say for one year, that the choice was to partner him with [Kimi] Raikkonen. We obviously spoke to him like we did when it was time to choose other drivers because the team must agree on things.

"[Felipe] Massa today had an unhappy start and that influenced his race. If he had a better start it would have ended differently. But he's giving us lots of satisfaction both as a driver and as a member of the team. If we are leading the Constructors' Championship we owe him a lot as well."

But the Ferrari president was adamant his team would recover from the loss of Schumacher with the arrival of Raikkonen.

"I think when you change and lose the best driver in the world, there is a risk," di Montezemolo said. "Having said that, I think Raikkonen is, as far as temperament, coolness, maturity, experience - despite his 25 years of age - are concerned, a good choice for Ferrari, who also need drivers who can defend themselves against the pressure.

"One day I was by chance at Mugello, and Raikkonen was doing his first laps with Sauber. I remember Michael telling me 'who is this kid?' He was impressed by driving some laps behind him.

"And with all respect to Alonso, who is really great and has demonstrated so, honestly I believe if Raikkonen had a more reliable car last year he would have won the title.

"Having lost Schumacher, I'm convinced we have a very very strong pairing and it will be demonstrated. It's certainly stronger than other teams'."

Finally, the Italian said he is confident Schumacher will continue his involvement with the team - although he would not elaborate in which role.

"I don't see him sitting behind a desk," di Montezemolo quipped, "But he will definitely stay in the Ferrari family one way or another.

"He's an intelligent guy who understands and has great experience in Formula One. But that doesn't mean he'll compete with either Luca Badoer or Jean Todt."