Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[REPORT: Ferrari figures Raikkonen, Schumacher and Montezemolo to leave their F1 posts]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/report-ferrari-figures-raikkonen-schumacher-and-montezemolo-to/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/report-ferrari-figures-raikkonen-schumacher-and-montezemolo-to/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/report-ferrari-figures-raikkonen-schumacher-and-montezemolo-to/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The times they are a-changin' in Maranello. As if the departures of Michael Schumacher, Ross Brawn and Jean Todt over the past few years wasn't enough to shake things up for the Scuderia, a new round of change-ups is looming on the horizon.

First up is Kimi Raikkonen, the 2007 World Champion who Ferrari is paying to vacate his seat in order to make room for Fernando Alonso. Following earlier reports that Kimi would stand to make more by sitting out next season, the Finnish driver's manager has reportedly announced that he'll be taking a sabbatical. This, after negotiations with McLaren broke down over such issues as salary, promotional obligations and freedom to drive the occasional rally. Raikkonen's repeatedly reiterated that he's only interested in a winning team, and could take the year to hone his rally skills instead. A tie-in with Red Bull could provide him with a WRC drive and a return to F1 for 2011.

Meanwhile, Kimi's predecessor, Michael Schumacher, is reportedly changing his role with the team as well. For the past couple of seasons, Schumi has served as a special adviser to the Scuderia, often showing his smiling mug on the pit wall at various grand prix events. But while the seven-time World Champion has signed on for another three years to help with the development of future Ferrari road cars, his F1 role with the team has apparently ended. In an effort to sort out why Schumi won't be active with the team any longer, speculation has escalated that Michael could reunite with Ross Brawn and return to the cockpit as a driver for the newly christened Mercedes Grand Prix team, while others suggest he could join his former boss Jean Todt with a role in the FIA.

Finally, Luca di Montezemolo is eying a change in his role as well. The chairman isn't leaving his post as head of either Ferrari or parent company Fiat, but he has announced that he's likely to step down as head of the Formula One Teams Association. The representative body was formed to negotiate on the teams' behalf with the FIA and Formula One Management, but with Montezemolo's longtime underling Todt now heading the FIA, many have been citing a potential conflict of interest. For his part, Montezemolo says he wants to concentrate on his job as chairman of the Italian automakers. Thanks to everyone for the tips!

[Sources: Autosport and Autocar | Image: Andreas Solaro/AFP/Getty]

REPORT: Ferrari figures Raikkonen, Schumacher and Montezemolo to leave their F1 posts originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f1ferrari raikkonenFerrariRaikkonenformula 1formula oneformula one teams associationFormula1FormulaOneFormulaOneTeamsAssociationFOTAkimi raikkonenKimiRaikkonenluca di montezemoloLucaDiMontezemolomercedes schumacherMercedesSchumachermichael schumacherMichaelSchumachermontezemoloraikkonenrally raikkonenRallyRaikkonenred bull raikkonenRedBullRaikkonenschumacherschumacher brawnSchumacherBrawnwrc raikkonenWrcRaikkonenWed, 18 Nov 2009 10:01:00 EST<![CDATA[From the Prancing Horse's Mouth: Montezemolo reportedly confirms Ferrari 458 Spider]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/29/from-the-prancing-horses-mouth-montezemolo-reportedly-confirms/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/29/from-the-prancing-horses-mouth-montezemolo-reportedly-confirms/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/29/from-the-prancing-horses-mouth-montezemolo-reportedly-confirms/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Ferrari 458 Spider rendered by Jon Sibal - Click above for high-res image

Ever since the introduction of the 348 Spider back in 1993 and on through the 355 Spider, 360 Spider and F430 Spider - to say nothing of the targa variants that came before - Ferrari has always produced droptop versions of its mid-engine V8 supercars. So it should come as no great surprise that Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo has reportedly confirmed the development of a roadster version of the new 458 Italia.

Like its predecessors, the 458 Spider will likely feature a conventional folding soft-top, and you can expect it'll be one of the lightest and quickest to deploy and retract in the business. Still, there was some speculation that Maranello would forgo building a 458 Spider altogether, leaving its sun-worshipping, V8-lovin' clientele to be tended to by the California. But while the affable marquis has been off on some statements in the past, we'll take this one at wind-in-your-face value. Expect the 458 Spider to appear in a couple of years.


Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Ferrari 458 Italia


[Source: Quattroroute via Euocarblog]

From the Prancing Horse's Mouth: Montezemolo reportedly confirms Ferrari 458 Spider originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Sep 2009 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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As temperatures rose between Ferrari and its fellow constructors in the Formula One Teams Association, Le Mans class endurance racing provided a convenient alternative for Ferrari and FOTA chairman Luca di Montezemolo to wield against his adversaries. He was even invited to ceremonially start the race this year, celebrating the 60th anniversary of the marque's first win there while hinting that the Maranello squad had alternatives at its disposal. But now that the war appears to have come to an end (notwithstanding Max Mosley's infamous intransigence), Montezemolo has stated that Ferrari won't be returning in full force to Le Mans just yet.

Ferrari's president said that his company couldn't shoulder the enormous parallel burdens of racing in both F1 and Le Mans, though he did admit that the prospect of returning to Le Mans with a full factory racing effort was tempting, saying "sooner or later we will want to go back with an official car." In the meantime, privateer teams like GT2 champions Risi Competizione will continue to field race-prepped customer F430s, but we'll have to wait a little while longer for Ferrari to take on the likes of Audi and Peugeot with a full-on LMP1 works effort.

[Source: Autosport]

Montezemolo rules out Ferrari factory Le Mans effort... for now originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>di montezemoloDiMontezemoloferrariferrari almsferrari le mansferrari lmsFerrariAlmsFerrariLeMansFerrariLmsle mansle mans ferrariLeMansLeMansFerrariluca di montezemoloLucaDiMontezemolomontezemoloWed, 01 Jul 2009 08:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Max Mosley renegging on promise to step down?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/26/max-mosley-renegging-on-promise-to-step-down/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/26/max-mosley-renegging-on-promise-to-step-down/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/26/max-mosley-renegging-on-promise-to-step-down/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the Formula One waters, Max Mosley goes and sends a nasty-gram to Formula One Teams Association (FOTA) chairman and Ferrari head honcho Luca di Montezemolo threatening to back out of his promise to step down from his throne as leader of the FIA if he doesn't get a full apology ASAP.

It seems that Mosley is none too pleased by the way that FOTA have portrayed the events leading to the agreement between the teams and the FIA to run the 2010 Formula 1 season as previously scheduled. Says Mosley:
If you wish the agreement we made to have any chance of survival, you and FOTA must immediately rectify your actions. You must correct the false statements which have been made and make no further such statements. You yourself must issue a suitable correction and apology at your press conference this afternoon... [G]iven your and FOTA's deliberate attempt to mislead the media, I now consider my options open. At least until October, I am president of the FIA with the full authority of that office.
There's plenty more where that came from. Click past the break to read Max Mosey's letter to Luca di Montezemolo in its entirety.

[Source: Axis of Oversteer | Photo: makeroadssafe CC 2.0]

Continue reading Max Mosley renegging on promise to step down?

Max Mosley renegging on promise to step down? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Jun 2009 13:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Between special one-offs like the disaster-relief F430 and record-breaking classics like the 1957 250 Testa Rossa, if you've had your eye on acquiring an especially special Ferrari at auctio, there has been no shortage of opportunities. And here's another to add to the docket: Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo's own 599 GTB Fiorano.

The chairman's ride is being auctioned off online to raise scholarship funds for young aspiring researchers. The example in question features a deep red Rosso Monza metallic paintjob over an interior swathed in charcoal leather and trimmed with extra carbon fiber bits. It's also been outfitted with sat-nav and an iPod as well as carbon-ceramic brakes behind 20-inch wheels. This marks the first occasion that Ferrari has auctioned off one of its vehicles online, and will come accompanied by a certificate of authenticity signed by the current owner, who carries a bit of clout around the factory. Follow the link for more information, including a video of Montezemolo presenting the auction, or to place your bid. Thanks for the tip, Patrick!


Gallery: Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano


[Source: Ferrari]

Ferrari auctions off Montezemolo own's 599 GTB Fiorano originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Jun 2009 10:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Luca di Montezemolo discusses Ferrari at Le Mans - Click above to watch the video

This Saturday in France, Ferrari Chairman Luca di Montezemolo will be on hand to give the drivers the starting order for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Montezemolo's presence will help commemorate the 60th anniversary of the first win by a Ferrari at the French endurance classic. In 1949 Luigi Chinetti and Lord Selsdon drove a 166 MM Barchetta to overall victory. Since then Ferrari entries have taken the overall checkered flag eight other times along with numerous class wins, including last year when Risi Competizione won GT2 in an F430. Ten of those F430s will be running this weekend.

That original 166 MM is currently on display at the museum in the Galleria Ferrari in Maranello. If you happen to be in Northern Italy, it's surely worth dropping by to check out the museum. There is a video of Montezemolo discussing Ferrari's Le Mans heritage after the jump.

[Source: Ferrari]

Continue reading Ferrari Chairman to start 2009 Le Mans 60 years after first Ferrari win [w/VIDEO]

Ferrari Chairman to start 2009 Le Mans 60 years after first Ferrari win [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Jun 2009 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ferrarile mansle mans 24 hoursLeMansLeMans24Hoursluca di montezemoloLucaDiMontezemolomontezemoloTue, 09 Jun 2009 18:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Montezemolo's Revenge: Ferrari chief to start Le Mans]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/03/montezemolos-revenge-ferrari-chief-to-start-le-mans/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/03/montezemolos-revenge-ferrari-chief-to-start-le-mans/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/03/montezemolos-revenge-ferrari-chief-to-start-le-mans/#commentsFiled under: ,

Ferrari's participation in Formula One is so firmly entrenched in the identities of both the world championship and the Italian automaker that its abandonment of the series is almost unthinkable. But thinking about just that, according to some commentators, is what Ferrari chief Luca di Montezemolo wants people to start doing, as a spate of heated correspondence flies back and forth between Maranello and Paris, seat of motorsport's governing body, the FIA.

Montezemolo, who also serves as chairman of the Fiat group and head of the Formula One Teams Association, has been invited to ceremonially start this year's 24 hours of Le Mans by the ACO, where he will be joined by Scuderia Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicalli. And while to some it may seem entirely benign, others insist that it's a shot across the bow of the SS Max Mosley, the FIA chief who's been pushing new cost-cutting regulations to which Ferrari, among several other teams, is vehemently opposed. But could Ferrari really leave Formula One? This isn't the first time the idea's been floated, following a recent campaign to form a renegade spin-off series and Ferrari's Indy program in the 80's, to name just a couple of examples. The hard, cold truth that Mosley must be realizing is that Le Mans series endurance sports car racing has grown in profile to rival that of Formula One, and even if Ferrari's participation in the series is currently limited primarily to GT2, where it has taken numerous class victories, its heritage at the iconic French track is nearly as firmly entrenched as it is on the world's grand prix circuits.

[Sources: Autosport and F1-Live | Image: ANDREAS SOLARO/AFP/Getty]

Montezemolo's Revenge: Ferrari chief to start Le Mans originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 03 May 2009 14:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ferrari le mansFerrariLeMansle mansle mans ferrariLeMansLeMansFerrariluca cordero di montezemololuca di montezemololuca montezemoloLucaCorderoDiMontezemoloLucaDiMontezemoloLucaMontezemolomontezemolomontezemolo le mansMontezemoloLeMansSun, 03 May 2009 14:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Ferrari denies trouble despite layoffs this week]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/08/ferrari-denies-trouble-despite-layoffs-this-week/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/08/ferrari-denies-trouble-despite-layoffs-this-week/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/08/ferrari-denies-trouble-despite-layoffs-this-week/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

This may come as a surprise, but Ferrari is apparently mortal. Although it has denied being affected by the global economic crisis, the Italian supercar maker has announced plans to lay off up to 10 percent of its workforce this week. This comes on the heels of announcing in November that sales had dropped from around 600 units per month to a miniscule 92 sales worldwide. As many as 300 workers could be idled after negotiations with Italy's trade unions. So much for thinking it might be recession-proof.

For now the Maranello company has announced an unprecedented 20-day holiday shutdown this year to ward off huge stockpiles of parts and inventory. Even with the new California launching and the recently announced Scuderia Spider 16M on the way, and despite a two-year waiting list for its product globally, distributors around the world are apparently sitting on too much inventory. Sales of the V12 models have reportedly stalled and F430 sales have slowed to a trickle since the California was announced.

We now seriously doubt the company will be able to reach its goal of 10,000 sales by 2010, which Ferrari chairman Luca di Montezemolo had been promising as recently as the Paris Motor Show back in October. For its part, Ferrari is saying that this is traditionally a slow time of year, that F430 sales were naturally affected by the announcement of the 16M and California, and that the extended holiday break has more to do with the calendar than the economy. We simply like the thought that this might one day mean lower prices for Enzo's finest. Thanks for the tip, Richard!

UPDATE: Ferrari contacted us to clarify some info that Autocar had previously reported. The Italian automaker wants to reiterate that is always focused on controlling costs, but that it never stated it is cutting 300 jobs. The Christmas Holiday is slightly longer only to bridge an extra weekend, as Christmas is on a Thursday this year. F430 sales are also where they're expected to be, although Spider sales are always slow in winter. 2008, like 2007, has been a good year for the firm and it is not experiencing any stock problems. The world financial crisis has mainly just streamlined the waiting list. We hope that clears things up. Now, can we expect a 16M under the tree?

Gallery: First Drive: Ferrari California


[Source: Autocar]

Ferrari denies trouble despite layoffs this week originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Dec 2008 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The closer we get to the end of this season and to the start of the next, the clearer the picture will become as to which drivers will be where for the 2009 FIA Formula One World Championship. While his team was undergoing testing alongside its competitors at the Monza track in Italy, Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo placed one of the bigger pieces in the puzzle in confirming that Kimi Raikkonen and Felipe Massa would both be back in scarlet for next season. Although towards the beginning of the season it was onto Massa's future which doubt was cast, by now the tides have changed in that Kimi's performance has lagged behind his team-mate and it's Raikkonen's future that was being debated in the press. However Montezemolo confirmed that neither driver would be replaced for the coming season.

While in the paddock, Montezemolo also visited former champion Fernando Alonso and current leader Lewis Hamilton, but insisted that Alonso, who has been rumored to be angling for a seat with Ferrari, would have to wait at least a little while longer. Montezemolo also took the opportunity to express his displeasure with the new tracks being mixed into the calendar, stating that because overtaking is so difficult on these new circuits, the winner is often pre-determined in qualifying.

[Source: F1-Live Image: Andreas Solaro/Getty]

Ferrari confirms Kimi and Felipe for 2009 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Sep 2008 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ferrari Company Restaurant designed by architect Marco Visconti

Ferraris have long been known as striking and powerful machines, typically at the front of the pack in any competition. It should come as no surprise, then, that Ferrari the company is also a leader, extending that same philosophy to how it designs its manufacturing facilities. Late last millennium, the company launched its "Formula Uomo" plan to modernize production in a way that would be good for profitability, good for the environment, and good for the workers. With the opening of their latest new car assembly lines facility and company restaurant, they have reached that goal. The restaurant is a thing of beauty that allows workers a peaceful retreat from the factory. The new assembly lines reduce worker movements so they can work more efficiently, all while catching glimpses of the original plant's red walls through their huge windows. Ferrari President Luca di Montezemolo and CEO Amedeo Felisa presented these most recent and final pieces in the "Formula Uomo" program, just over ten years after the launch in 1997. It cost the company something like 200 million euro to hire award-winning architects to design and build the new facilities.

The other bold move the company is making is the launch of a new magazine. Produced in conjunction with Condè Nast, this new Ferrari Magazine is a large-format mag that features "a lively and interesting mix of cars, racing culture, fashion and design seen from the point of view of the Ferrari world and the passionate individuals who buy these superb cars." What they said. This quarterly publication will be sent to 30,000 owners worldwide and will only be offered in English. A limited number of subscriptions will be offered to the public as well, at 250 Euro per year. Our CPAs tell us we can write this off. Expect Montezemolo and Schumacher to make regular appearances, as well as other company executives, designers, and even celebrity owners like Nick Mason. The magazine will capture everything Ferrari, with the December issue each year acting as a replacement for the annual yearbook. So you can be sure that F1 will get a thorough rundown as well. For more info, read the press releases after the jump.

Gallery: Ferrari Formula Uomo and Ferrari Magazine


[Source: Ferrari]

Continue reading Ferrari launches new magazine, next phase of "Formula Uomo"

Ferrari launches new magazine, next phase of "Formula Uomo" originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Jun 2008 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Ferrari MagazineFerrariMagazineFormula UomoFormulaUomoluca di montezemoloLucaDiMontezemolomichael schumachermichaelschumachernick masonnickmasonWed, 25 Jun 2008 14:29:00 EST<![CDATA[BREAKING: Jean Todt steps down as Ferrari CEO]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/18/breaking-jean-todt-steps-down-as-ferrari-ceo/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/18/breaking-jean-todt-steps-down-as-ferrari-ceo/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/18/breaking-jean-todt-steps-down-as-ferrari-ceo/#commentsFiled under: ,


Montezemolo, Felisa and Todt at Geneva 08. Click to view more.

Ferrari today concluded its assembly of shareholders at which Jean Todt stepped down as chief executive officer. Todt was originally hired to head the F1 racing team in 1993, was promoted to general manager of the company in 2003 and CEO in 2006. After relinquishing the role of general manager to Amedeo Felisa in 2006, Todt handed over control of the Scuderia to Stefano Domenicali at the start of this year.

Felisa will now also succeed Todt as CEO. Meanwhile Todt will stay on in certain limited capacities for Ferrari, including a seat on the board, the presidency of both Ferrari Asia Pacific and Ferrari West Europe as well as representation of the Scuderia on the FIA World Council. Todt announced that he had stayed on as chief executive only until company president Luca di Montezemolo completed his term as head of industrial group Confindustria, and that he was now moving on to dedicate more time to himself and his other interests. The shareholders also re-elected Montzemolo as president and Piero Ferrari as vice-president, while renewing the terms of all 13 directors, including Montzemolo, Ferrari, Todt and Felisa as well as Fiat chief Sergio Marchionne, Sergio Pininfarina and seven other board members. For more information, see the press release after the jump.

[Source: Ferrari]

Continue reading BREAKING: Jean Todt steps down as Ferrari CEO

BREAKING: Jean Todt steps down as Ferrari CEO originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Mar 2008 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amedeo felisaAmedeoFelisabreakingbreaking ferrari ceobreaking newsbreaking todt felisa ferrari ceoBreakingFerrariCeoBreakingNewsBreakingTodtFelisaFerrariCeoceo jean todtCeoJeanTodtferrari ceoFerrariCeojean todt ferrariJeanTodtFerrariluca di montezemoloLucaDiMontezemolopiero ferrariPieroFerraritodt resignstodt steps downTodtResignsTodtStepsDownTue, 18 Mar 2008 14:02:00 EST<![CDATA[I want my baby back! Fiat to repurchase Ferrari shares]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/14/i-want-my-baby-back-fiat-to-repurchase-ferrari-shares/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/14/i-want-my-baby-back-fiat-to-repurchase-ferrari-shares/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/14/i-want-my-baby-back-fiat-to-repurchase-ferrari-shares/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Fiat is increasing its stake in Ferrari, buying back the shares it sold to Italian investment bank Mediobanca during Fiat's financial troubles in 2002. The Turin-based auto conglomerate is the undisputed Don of the Italian car business, controlling Ferrari, Maserati, Alfa Romeo, Lancia, Iveco and Magneti Marelli (to name a few), and will exercise its option to buy back the 29% currently held by Mediobanca by the end of September.

Together with the 56% it currently holds, this will bring Fiat's stake in Ferrari up to 85%. Mediobanca sold 5% to Mubadala Development Company, a UAE crown corporation; shares which Fiat may or may not buy back. (Mubadala also owns stake in Spyker, fuelling rumors that the recently acquired Spyker MF1 team could switch to Ferrari power for next season.) The remaining 10% is still owned by the Ferrari family.

Enzo Ferrari initially sold half his company to Fiat in 1968. While ostensibly Fiat owns Ferrari, many would argue the control flows the other way, with Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo serving as chairman of the Fiat Group.

Think buying one Ferrari is expensive? Fiat's purchase is rumored to cost a staggering $800 million.

[Source: Ansa.it via Italiaspeed]

I want my baby back! Fiat to repurchase Ferrari shares originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Sep 2006 14:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buyoutferrarifiatluca di montezemoloLucaDiMontezemolomediobancamubadalapercentsharesspykerstocktakeoverThu, 14 Sep 2006 14:39:00 EST