25 February: Montezemolo: "A time for faith and
optimism"
The launch of the F2005 ended with a speech from Ferrari President, Luca di Montezemolo. "First of
all, thank you all for coming. I think I speak for everyone when I say our thoughts are with the Pope, because one of the most
intense moments of the past few years occurred a few weeks ago when we went to the Vatican for an audience. Despite being very
tired, the Pope had the strength to speak at length with all of us showing his passion while also taking the opportunity to put over
his views on the value of sport and its ethics which are often on the decline. I wish to send our deepest felt wishes to an
exceptional Pope." This is always an important day for us," continued Montezemolo. "The years go by, but the
spirit, the sense of friendship and collaboration have never been lacking, especially in the difficult moments. 2004 was really
busy, both professionally and personally. We have won so much in Formula 1, more than anyone else. This team is strong and stable,
but with young people continually growing and taking on more and more responsibility under the guidance of Ross and Rory. I like to
think back to the presentations of the past: I remember in 1992, when it was hard to understand who had made the car; I recall the
years of rebuilding and then 97, 98 and 99 when we lost the drivers title at the very last race. We constantly raised our
expectations and this year we want to maintain our current position. In life as in sport, one cannot win all the time, but
nevertheless that is what we have set as our goal. This is not just what I want, but also what Todt and everyone at Ferrari wants,
because we are up against major manufacturers and we have to push as hard as we can." "What concerns me more is to give
Ferrari economic autonomy and I think this will be achieved by the end of 2012. Ferrari has some amazing and important sponsors and
technical partners, but a different financial structure to our competitors and so we want autonomy so that we are not dependent on
FIAT, which has always given a lot to Ferrari and will continue to do so, but economic and operational autonomy is very important.
So, for 2008, we are preparing an all-Ferrari championship, which should be interesting," joked Montezemolo. "Joking
apart, between now and 2008 a lot of things will happen. Let's wait and see."
The President then turned to Ferrari's
industry achievements in 2004. "This has been an exceptional year. In a few days, at the Geneva Motor Show, we will present the
F430 Spider a car born out of collaboration with Formula 1. FIAT and Alfa Romeo will also have an important presence at the show. So
we have grand aims for 2005: easy to say, harder to do. Our collaboration with Bridgestone will be vital and in fact this car is
born out of close cooperation with the Japanese company. We start with last year's car modified. As Brawn said, we believe this is
the right choice and I think once again this year, we will be front runners. This presentation is the time for faith and optimism.
We will do all we can to keep both trophies in Maranello. The journalists are asking "who will beat Ferrari." I hope the
answer is Ferrari."
