An enduring love story
Posted: 08.10.2014
Source: Ferrari
Luca di Montezemolo bids an emotional farewell to the Ferrari GT Division
Maranello, 8th October – “It’s not easy…” were the words with which a visibly moved Luca di Montezemolo began his farewell address to the employees of Ferrari’s GT Division last afternoon. He was, unsurprisingly, interrupted several times with long applause from the assembled audience.
In recent days, in fact, the women and men of Ferrari had asked on several occasions for a farewell meeting and embrace with Mr Montezemolo before he leaves Maranello after 23 years. Although clearly unable to speak with each employee individually, Montezemolo was eager to meet with them as a group, having already spoken to the Gestione Sportiva Formula 1 Division before the team’s departure for the Japanese and Russian Grands Prix.
The result was that two thousand people gathered in a large marquee at the factory yesterday afternoon. After two short introductory speeches from Vice-Chairman Piero Ferrari and CEO Amedeo Felisa plus a film documenting Montezemolo’s hugely successful 23 years with Ferrari which had as its soundtrack the Gino Paoli song “Una lunga storia d’amore” (“An enduring love story”), Mr Montezemolo took the stage.
In his address, the Chairman underscored the importance of the Maranello workers several times: “You are the power behind Ferrari, the most beautiful company in the world. You are the real architects of its triumphs. You are Ferrari”. He recalled too the marque’s triumphs in Formula 1, in which Ferrari remains the most successful team ever, as well as the success of the Prancing Horse’s GT cars the world over. Mr Montezemolo also told the assembled workforce that he was “proud to have lived these marvellous years with you”. He reiterated that he was certain “the future for Ferrari, which builds not cars but dreams, will remain bright because all of you are here”. He then had affectionate and emotional words to say about both Michael Schumacher and Jules Bianchi, the young Marussia driver who came up through the FDA ranks and is now fighting for his life after a dramatic accident at Suzuka.
After Mr Montezemolo’s address, representatives of the women and men from the factory joined him on the stage for a symbolic embrace. As he left, the Chairman was engulfed by a large crowd of admirers wanting to shake his hand, take selfies with him and generally express their enormous affection and respect for this “enduring love story”.
A big Ferrari heart for the President
Posted: 27.09.2014
Source: Ferrari
Maranello, 27 September– A few hundred fans, visiting Maranello today, transformed what was a planned outing into a tribute to the President, Luca di Montezemolo.
The Caprino Bergamasco branch of the Scuderia Ferrari Club, the one with the most members of any Ferrari club in the world, made a point of bringing along the giant heart flag, that features the Scuderia Ferrari logo. It is now a regular feature of the Monza Grand Prix and today, it was unfurled at the factory entrance in Via Abetone, as the fans shouted out “Thank you President, you will always be in our hearts.” The sentiment was aimed at the man who has contributed more than anyone to Ferrari’s success, with 14 world titles won in the past 15 years and no less than 118 races won during his Presidency. As the flag with the giant heart and the Prancing Horse was unfurled, the tourists visiting the nearby Ferrari Store, along with passers-by all joined in the commotion with motorists hooting their horns.
The Caprino Bergamasco group were joined by other Italian clubs, including those from Prato and Sirmione, as well as some representatives of clubs from outside Italy, even from Brazil (Curitiba) and Canada (Toronto.)
Montezemolo backs the Scuderia
Posted: 11.09.2014
Source: Ferrari
Maranello, 11 September – Pride and determination were the key notes in a speech from Ferrari President, Luca di Montezemolo, as he addressed the staff of the Gestione Sportiva in a further show of support. The venue was symbolic, as it was the building site of the new Gestione Sportiva, a structure designed to reflect the concept of integration and constant evolution, a philosophy that stems from the president of the Maranello marque himself.
Montezemolo, who was joined by Team Principal Marco Matticacci, Ferrari Vice President Piero Ferrari and the company’s Managing Director Amedeo Felisa, spoke to the staff for around half an hour, occasionally interrupted by rounds of applause. He recalled all the battles fought out on track and the emotions shared with the team and the driver who was the main player in the team’s winning era in the first decade of this century, Michael Schumacher. After a brief look back at his long tenure as the boss of the company, the President turned his thoughts to the future. He repeated the need for everyone to give their utmost to take the Scuderia back to the top. “We have understood our mistakes and in the company we have everything needed to reach our goal, in terms of personnel, infrastructure and resources. We need to work more closely together, because that’s what is required with the new regulations. We must lay our problems out in a line and tackle them one at a time and, we must work like a real team and have the courage to dare. This is the only way we can embark on another winning cycle.”
The end of the speech was met with a long burst of heartfelt applause, showing what the staff felt for the President. Before taking his leave, Montezemolo shook every single one of them by the hand, as they stood in line to wish him farewell personally.”
23 years in a day
Posted: 10.09.2014
Source: Ferrari
Luca di Montezemolo looks back and says thank you
Maranello, 10th September – It was a day that no one will easily forget. Not the Prancing Horse tifosi. Not the women and men that work in Ferrari. Particularly not Luca di Montezemolo who, after 23 years in the job, announced his decision to step down as Chairman of the company today. The day began very early. Well before the press agencies made the news public at around 8.50, Montezemolo had already met with the company’s directors to inform them of his decision. He did so alongside Fiat Chrysler Automobiles CEO Sergio Marchionne who takes his place after what the Chairman described as his “last day of school”, October 13th. The official public announcement came at 14.00 in a packed press room adjoining the Ferrari Museum in Maranello. Before an audience of around 70 international radio, TV and print journalists, Montezemolo attempted to hold his emotions in check as he explained that as one major cycle had ended, and in view of the new and very different season the FCA Wall Street flotation would usher in, it was time to pass on the baton. The Chairman looked back fondly on last 23 years which he said “went by very, very fast” and thanked all of Ferrari’s staff, particularly those closest to him: Vice-Chairman Piero Ferrari, CEO Amedeo Felisa and Human Resources Director Mario Mairano. There were special words too for Jean Todt and Michael Schumacher, the driver that helped return the Prancing Horse to triumphant form after a long fallow period. Montezemolo also remembered the late Emilio Botin who was not only Chairman of the Scuderia’s sponsor, Santander, but a personal friend and a staunch Ferrari tifoso. He spoke too with great affection of the many, many tifosi who stood by the team even through the most difficult times. There was time for other memories also, including the call from Enzo Ferrari in 1973 to become sporting director of the team that took Niki Lauda to World Championship victory in 1975, and Gianni Agnelli’s tears of joy when Michael Schumacher won the title in 2000. Montezemolo and Sergio Marchionne also joked about everything from advice on how to dress (“As you can see, I didn’t listen to him,” quipped the Fiat CEO) to the rumours about Montezemolo’s professional future (“I suppose I could always head a major automobile group in Detroit,” he smiled). The Ferrari Chairman was also keen to underscore the uniqueness of the brand and its deep links with the surrounding area. He then announced upcoming exciting news at the Paris Show and celebrations for the Prancing Horse’s 60th year in the United States. After the press conference, Montezemolo returned to the factory where he met with the heads of the production department. While he had managed to remain composed in front of the world’s press, he did shed a few tears with “his” men. The Chairman then returned to his office to personally answer the many messages pouring in from all over the world. And, of course, to work. Something he will continue to do until that “last day at school”.
A special day but objectives remain the same
Posted: 10.09.2014
Source: Ferrari
Maranello, 10 September – It was a special day for Scuderia Ferrari, as indeed it was for the entire company and for the fans and followers of the Prancing Horse. On the day that President Luca di Montezemolo announced his resignation, the staff of the Formula 1 team were hard at work, preparing for next week’s Singapore race, aware that, at a joint press conference held today, both Montezemolo and the CEO of the FCA, Sergio Marchionne stated the same objective, namely to start winning again.
Both men underlined that the medium and long term goals remain unchanged: to return to being competitive on track and to try and establish a new winning era. The President stated that, “in the company we have the framework, the means and the personnel to get back on top and I am convinced that it won’t be long before we are once again the benchmark team.” For his part, Marchionne added, “winning is essential for Ferrari and I have no doubt we are capable of doing that. We will do all it takes, also in terms of our resources, to reach this objective.”
Montezemolo: This is the end of an era
Posted: 10.09.2014
Source: Ferrari
“I leave after 23 unforgettable years”
Maranello, 10th September 2014 – “Ferrari will have an important role to play within the FCA Group in the upcoming flotation on Wall Street. This will open up a new and different phase which I feel should be spearheaded by the CEO of the Group.
This is the end of an era and so I have decided to leave my position as Chairman after almost 23 marvellous and unforgettable years in addition to those spent at Enzo Ferrari’s side in the 1970s.
My thanks, first and foremost, to the exceptional Ferrari women and men from the factory, the offices, the race tracks and the markets across the world. They were the real architects of the company’s spectacular growth, its many unforgettable victories and its transformation into one of the world’s strongest brands.
A warm farewell and my thanks also to all of our technical and commercial partners, our dealers across the globe and, most particularly, the clients and collectors whose passion I so wholeheartedly share.
But my thoughts go also to our fans who have always supported us with great enthusiasm especially through the Scuderia’s most difficult moments.
Ferrari is the most wonderful company in the world. It has been a great privilege and honour to have been its leader. I devoted all of my enthusiasm and commitment to it over the years. Together with my family, it was, and continues to be, the most important thing in my life.
I wish the shareholders, particularly Piero Ferrari who has always been by my side, and everyone in the Company the many more years of success that Ferrari deserves.”
Montezemolo quits Ferrari, Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne to become new Chairman
Posted: 10.09.2014
Source: Fiat
Turin, 10 September 2014 – Luca Cordero di Montezemolo has announced his intention to resign as Chairman of Ferrari with effect from October 13th following completion of Ferrari’s celebration of 60 years in America.
Fiat CEO, Sergio Marchionne, will take over as Chairman of Ferrari.
Since 1991, Ferrari achieved significant results under Montezemolo’s chairmanship in terms of both financial performance and its standing in the world of racing. Under his leadership, Ferrari boasted a world-class team and numerous record-setting achievements.
“On behalf of my family and myself, I would like to thank Luca for all he has done for both Fiat and Ferrari”, said Fiat Chairman, John Elkann. He held several key positions with the Group, including serving as Chairman of Fiat from 2004 to 2010, and we shared many challenging but also rewarding moments. Luca leaves us with my most sincere and heartfelt wishes for his future professional endeavors and the hope, I am certain shared by us both, that Ferrari will return to victory very soon.”
“Luca and I were appointed to the Fiat Board of Directors on the very same day back in 2003”, said Fiat CEO, Sergio Marchionne. “One year later, he became Chairman and I became CEO. We worked side by side, sharing concerns, difficulties and successes. As Chairman of Ferrari, he drove the company to a new level of technological and organizational excellence which also brought with it outstanding financial results. Luca and I have discussed the future of Ferrari at length. And our mutual desire to see Ferrari achieve its true potential on the track has led to misunderstandings which became clearly visible over the last weekend. I want to thank Luca for all he has done for Fiat, for Ferrari and for me personally.”
Italian GP – Montezemolo: “Still a lot to do for Ferrari and Formula 1″
Posted: 07.09.2014
Source: Ferrari
Monza, 6 September – Ferrari President Luca di Montezemolo made his traditional Monza visit today, saluting the fans from pit lane, getting a very warm reception from all those in the grandstands, waiting for qualifying to begin. Naturally, he also spoke to the journalists, addressing various topics. “Of course I’m happy to be at Monza,” he said. “This track has a unique atmosphere and for me and for Ferrari it holds many great memories. It was here in 1975 that I won my first title as Sporting Director and assistant to Enzo Ferrari, with Niki Lauda driving. We went through amazing times here with Michael Schumacher, to whom I send all my heartfelt best wishes and in this I also speak on behalf of all the men and women at Ferrari. And it was also here that we enjoyed Fernando’s victory in 2010.”
As for the rumours doing the rounds in the paddock regarding the long term future with Ferrari, the President was brief in his comments. “I think this rumour is kicking up rather too much dust. Last March, I made it clear I was available to continue in my role for a further three years and if anything changes, I will be the first to let it be known.” Montezemolo then spoke of the work still to be done this year, talking about a year with record profits and other matters relating to the road car business, such as the new car that will be launched at the Paris Motor Show and events that are being prepared for October, to celebrate Ferrari’s 60 years in the United States.
When it came to the topic of Formula 1, the President had this to say: “We are working with the new Team Principal, Marco Mattiacci, to revitalize and reorganize our race team. There is still a great deal to do and we must do our best back in the factory to get back to the top.” Then, moving on to another racing topic, Montezemolo returned to the subject of how Formula 1 must change to be centre stage again as far as the media is concerned. “I have told Mattiacci to talk about the regulations in the appropriate environment. We need to put the fans and enthusiasts who watch the races on TV and at the tracks in centre stage. The priority therefore is to put in place simple rules that the public will find easy to understand. We must return to channeling excitement into Formula 1 and to make it clear that this sport is also a form of research. We must stop lowering the level of Formula 1. If someone doesn’t want to go testing, then don’t do them, if someone has excellent simulators they don’t have to do it, but this tendency has to stop. Yes, controlling costs is invoked but this year we have ended up with the most expensive engines of all time.”
The Ferrari President also met with the two drivers and, when asked by the media about Alonso’s contract, he replied, “Fernando has a contract with us to the end of 2016 and wants the same things I want and that the fans want, namely a competitive car.” As for Raikkonen: “I am happy that he is beginning to feel more at ease with the car and I hope that on Sunday he will be able to have another strong race, like he did in Spa-Francorchamps.”
President Montezemolo says thanks for his birthday wishes
Posted: 31.08.2014
Source: Ferrari
Maranello, 31 August –Ferrari President, Luca di Montezemolo, wishes to thank all staff and fans for the best wishes sent to mark his 67th birthday, via the Maranello company’s official website and the Ferrari social network channels, the method also chosen by Scuderia drivers Kimi Raikkonen and Fernando Alonso.
The top man at Ferrari received messages from all over the world, both from the business community and from the racing one, especially Formula 1. Among the many well-wishers were former Scuderia drivers Gerhard Berger and Felipe Massa, as well as three times world champion Niki Lauda. Montezemolo also received a personal message from the President of the FIA (Federation Internationale de l’Automobile,) Jean Todt.
Luca di Montezemolo’s 67th birthday
Posted: 31.08.2014
Source: Ferrari
Maranello, 31 August – “Happy Birthday to our Chairman, Mr. Montezemolo”, is the message going out today from all the men and women who work at Ferrari.
The chairman turns 67, actually the same age as the company he has led since 1991, having previously been the Formula 1 team’s Sporting Director back in the Seventies.
This Sunday, everyone at Ferrari sends best wishes to the man with whom, every day, they share the company’s growth, success, passion and values, but above all the pleasure of working for the best company in the world.
Once again, we wish you a happy birthday!