Ferrari names Ganassi, Penske as ideal third car partners

Luca Montezemolo would applaud if Chip Ganassi or Roger Penske agreed to run a 3rd Ferrari F1 car for them

(GMM) Luca di Montezemolo has named two famous American motor racing names as ideal partners to run a third Ferrari car in formula one.

The Maranello based marque's president is a regular critic of F1's struggling smallest constructors, arguing this week that it's "better to have a third (Ferrari) car with a competitive team than a team that cannot even do GP2".

"I think it's common sense and Bernie Ecclestone agrees. Who (would run the third Ferrari)? A small but competitive team," he told Italian reporters.

The Italian magazine Autosprint has now given more details about Montezemolo's plan, revealing that Ferrari wants its third car up and running in 2013.

Team boss Stefano Domenicali is currently on his way to London for a meeting of the F1 teams association FOTA.

"The teams and the FIA are currently discussing the possibility (of three cars) in three years," said the report.

Montezemolo confirmed: "It would be nice to see a third Ferrari fielded perhaps by a private American team. I'm thinking of a team like Ganassi or Penske (being suitable).

"On the question of a third car, we are determined," he added.

"If a team does not have the money to be in formula one, they can go to GP2," Montezemolo is quoted by the Italian press.

"It is disheartening to see someone like Trulli many seconds behind. Think what Jarno could do with a Ferrari given to his team."

Italian Trulli currently drives for the Tony Fernandes-run Team Lotus, which finished its debut season in 2010 the highest placed of the three new teams.

Previously, some teams – notably Williams – were opposed to Ferrari's proposition about allowing third cars in F1.

Montezemolo continued: "Ecclestone agrees and (Frank) Williams, who was against it before, understands now.

"Don't you think it would be nice to see a team like Penske or Ganassi deploy a Ferrari with an American driver?" he asked rhetorically.