We are Still Determined, Says Ferrari President

The Ferrari team are still hungry for victories and their star driver Michael Schumacher is as determined as ever, according to the Italian marque's president Luca di Montezemolo.

"When I hear people say 'Michael must feel complacent', I smile," di Montezemolo told Gazzeta dello Sport after the German had scored his 54th career victory on Sunday. "He's like us: we have hunger for victories, we have passion, and we are determined."

Ferrari and Schumacher have dominated the last two Formula One seasons, with the four-time Champion winning 10 of the last 18 Grands Prix. Schumacher kicked off his 2002 season with another dominant victory at the Australian Grand Prix last Sunday despite using last year's F2001 chassis.

Di Montezemolo, however, expects the situation to change soon and to see their rivals getting closer.

"It was a nice satisfaction to win that way with the old car, but we know it won't be like that all the times," he added. "Our rivals are very strong, and situations will be different. I think it's good to work calmly but, as soon as we're ready, we should bring out the car that we know it's faster than the current one."

Schumacher finished ahead of Williams driver Juan Pablo Montoya in the race after both were embroiled in an exciting battle before the German overtook the Colombian and disappeared into the distance. The Ferrari president, who also enjoyed the fight, believes Montoya will be one of Schumacher's main contenders this year.

"Montoya is a driver with lots of character, and he had a fantastic duel with Schumacher," said the Italian. "Last year he had some fine races on some tracks, while others were a little disappointing. He will surely be one of the main players of the season. But it's still too early to tell."