Grapevine: Todt Receives Honorary Degree

Ferrari's general manager Jean Todt has received an honorary degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Florence.

Frenchman Todt accepted the academic title, awarded for "the work done in the development of advanced technology in the sports automobile sector conducted with the contribution of university-industry research collaborations."

The ceremony formed part of the celebrations to mark the 80th year of the Florentine academy's founding.

"I am the third in the Ferrari-Maserati group to receive such an honour," said Todt. "I follow in the footsteps of President Montezemolo, who was recognised by the University of Modena, and Ross Brawn, who was awarded his degree by the University of Ancona.

"The success of a team or an athlete, whatever the sport, is indisputable: the result speaks for itself. Among the tasks of a manager is the ability to deal with defeat but also with victories.

"Right from the beginning it is important to learn the lessons of the first and to learn to come back from defeat; from the second, the motivation has to be found to repeat a victory. At Ferrari we have worked very hard to achieve our success."