Todt to Begin Talks on Ferrari Contract

Ferrari team director Jean Todt says he will shortly begin talks with company president Luca di Montezemolo regarding his future with the Formula One world champions.

Todt's contract with Ferrari expires at the end of this year and there has been speculation that the Frenchman may then decide to leave Maranello.

But Todt, who has been with Ferrari since July 1993 and oversaw the restructuring of the team in 1997, a move which many believe led ultimately to Michael Schumacher's world title last season, says he has yet to make up his mind.

"We live in a world where contracts expire and mine ends in 11 months. Before the end of the season, I will make things clear and we will begin talks in the forthcoming weeks," said Todt at the team's traditional winter camp in the Dolomites.

"I enjoy my role at Ferrari and I think Ferrari are satisfied with me. We have a strong united team and I would like to stay in Italy. Obviously, I could also do other things".

But he dismissed speculation he could switch to another team or return to rallying.

"There is not going to be any other team. I am lucky to have had a career in car racing, with rallying, prototypes and Formula One, and car racing remains my passion. But it would be pointless to go to another discipline," said Todt.

However the Frenchman revealed he has received offers to work in other areas.

"I have received proposals from other fields and the day will come when either Ferrari decide to change chapter or I will feel a certain wear from my job as I give all of myself to the firm," added Todt.

Todt admitted Ferrari would find it difficult to improve on their most successful season for 21 years when they won both the drivers' and constructors' titles.

"It will be difficult to do better but we will try. For me, it would be enough to repeat the 2000 results. We progressed a lot last year thanks to consistent commitment by a team that has been together since 1997. Our overall desire is to continue to build on this stability."

Schumacher has insisted he is still just as hungry for success and Todt believes that with the weight of history off their backs the team will be able to concentrate on winning.

"I think we will be even more determined. Now there is no sword of Damocles hanging over our heads. There will be no-one saying 'after 22 years will you finally win?'"