Montezemolo: New F1 cars very complicated

Luca di Montezemolo

"It will be interesting to see how many cars will finish the first race in Australia," commented Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo at the event to launch the California T, the new Prancing Horse V8, which is already proving to be the star attraction at the Geneva Motor Show.

Speaking to the journalists in Switzerland, Montezemolo went on to say, "The design of these new Formula 1 cars is very complicated, with a lot of aspects still to be defined. Some parts of it we have already developed, whereas others still need working on to give their best. The run up to this season is a bit like a puzzle, with the parts slowing fitting together." With less than two weeks to go to the start of the Formula 1 World Championship, many teams have experienced difficulties during pre-season testing and look like heading to Melbourne less than completely ready. However, the President was only concerned with his own team.

"The testing we have been able to do has been indispensible. I’m not interested in what the others are doing, we are only concentrating on ourselves," he affirmed. “It seems to me, that in terms of reliability the work is very complicated for everyone. These difficulties are understandable, because for 2014, Formula 1 has taken on a big challenge, going down a very innovative route."

The President also spoke on a topic that has touched him greatly, Schumacher’s condition. "Michael was and still is a very important person in my life. From 1996 onwards so many things happened in the lives of both of us and, in the difficult times, Michael was always incredibly close to the team. What’s happened to him was a real shock to me, after all the events we shared and a great affection still remains. Michael at the moment needs that affection and support from everyone."