New Ferrari chief Sergio Marchionne says engine F1 team's big issue

Following long-serving Luca di Montezemolo's decision to step down, his replacement Marchionne has made clear what he thinks Ferrari must do to get back to the front of F1.

He did not held back in singling out Ferrari's poor engine performance this season as the biggest issue it must address.

"We know the problem. We have a power unit problem," he told media during a press conference at Maranello.

"I have faith in Ferrari and its sporting arm, and that it will be able to resurrect as it did in the past.

"The sporting arm continues to be an essential element for Ferrari. We'll work in order to try to win, because it's part of this company's DNA.

"The important thing is to get back to winning ways, this is essential. The problem is to regain on-track credibility for Ferrari.

"We must get there, and I don't have the slightest doubt we'll be able to do it."

FERRARI UNDERESTIMATED NEW RULES

Ferrari's outgoing president di Montezemolo openly admitted that the car manufacturer got it wrong in predicting the complexities of the new power unit regulations.

"This year we come from a very bad season, fundamentally because we have underestimated the difficulties in this new power unit system that is not a traditional engine," he said.

"I think this is the real problem. But all the premises are there to soon return to winning ways.

"I hope these regulations that don't allow you to intervene on the engine during the season will change."

When asked if he would have done things differently over recent years, Montezemolo said: "We must have some regrets for not having won the title in 2010 and 2012. I consider the last two seasons negative.

"We have two world champions: from Kimi [Raikkonen] we expect a strong end of season, while Fernando [Alonso] is the strongest driver in the races.

"We must develop a competitive car, the rest is just talk.

"Any second thoughts on the past? Certainly not concerning the drivers. But as far as technicians yes, because as I said earlier we had a lack of specific knowledge in the power unit project."