GM's $2 billion payoff to Fiat, to effectively end whatever relationship they might have had, appears to be having far ranging implications for Italian manufacturers. With the $2 billion procured from GM, Fiat went out are reclaimed control of Maserati from Ferrari with the hopes of infusing their struggling Alfo Romeo brand with some of Maserati's new found appeal. The payoff has also led to speculation that with Fiat's deep debt, they could be on the verge of selling their controlling stake of Ferrari. The sale of Ferrari would have huge implications for the Maranello based manufactuer, as they would likely then have to justify their expenses, namely their huge Formula One expenses, to a board of investors. Ferrari would then not be able to spend all their profits on their F1 program, as has been the case in the past. Interesting times in Italy indeed.