Montezemolo calls on Ferrari to redeem itself

Luca di Montezemolo: "Results don't come on
their own, they are not delivered by a stork"© Getty Images

Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo has called on his team to redeem itself in 2012 after a difficult season in 2011.

Speaking at Ferrari's Christmas lunch, di Montezemolo received a standing ovation to celebrate his 20 years as Ferrari president. In his speech he looked to the future and called on his employees to double their efforts and create a winning Ferrari in 2012.

"Work is going on in all areas to improve: from the design of the new car, to the simulation work, from preparing for the pit stops, to the starts and so on," he said. "We cannot be happy with the way this year went and there is a great desire to redeem ourselves, because results don't come on their own, they are not delivered by a stork: it will take hard work from every one of you, it will come from the ability to be perfect, to start from pole position and that ability is the strength of this company. Behind amazing products there are amazing men and women.

He is also confident Felipe Massa can return to his best after he scored less than half the points of team-mate Fernando Alonso, for whom Montezemolo had special praise.

"All the ingredients are in place to start winning again," continued Montezemolo. "Great things are also expected from our drivers for next season. Felipe knows next year is very important for him, but it is up to us to give him a competitive car. If we manage it, then I am sure we will rediscover the Felipe who delivered so much and who could be quicker than Michael and Kimi.

"Fernando has had an amazing season, even though he did not have a competitive car and he made us all happy at Silverstone, with an emblematic victory, given it came at the same circuit and in the same month in which, sixty years ago, Ferrari took its first ever Formula 1 win. What I like about our drivers is their ability to work with the team: I knew that about Felipe and it was a pleasant surprise to find out the same applied to Fernando. I don't like drivers who turn up at the track with their briefcase and do not share in the daily life of the team: they are not Ferrari people."

ESPNF1