Grapevine: Di Montezemolo Could Go into Politics

Ferrari's president Luca di Montezemolo could become a minister in Silvio Berlusconi's Italian government, if the latter wins the general election, which will take place on May 13th in the transalpine country.

Berlusconi, owner of the company which owns 3 Italian TV networks and who is also the president of football team AC Milan, said he would ask his close friend di Montezemolo to be part of his centre-right House of Liberties coalition if, as the opinion polls indicate only a few days before the election, he becomes Italy's new president next Sunday.

"There will be a name that many Italians will love: that of Luca di Montezemolo. There are points in your life that require a change, and I think that Montezemolo has reached one of those points," Berlusconi said, adding that di Montezemolo would possibly be involved in "sports, tourism, or foreign trade."

"I wish to sincerely thank Mr. Berlusconi for his words," said di Montezemolo. "However, I feel it is right and proper that I refrain from comment at the moment. We will speak about it next week.

"We are working hard at this time at Ferrari, because the coming weekend is very important for us, even if there are other taking place matters which are of even greater importance for our country."