Luca Declines Berlusconi's Offer
16.5.01

The day after Silvio Berlusconi's election triumph, Luca di Montezemolo issued the following statement: "Today, I spoke with Silvio Berlusconi and I informed him of all the heartfelt requests coming first and foremost from the people at Ferrari and from so many of its supporters, which mean I am unable to follow up the intention of being part of his Government."

Asked why he had decided to turn down Berlusconi's invitation to join the government, Montezemolo said: "It's the case that I have to thank President Berlusconi for understanding and appreciating the reasons behind my decision. As a sportsman he understood what Ferrari represents in my life and my work and also, of course, what Ferrari represents for all Italians. I was delighted to receive a letter signed by around 1000 Ferrari employees. Humanly, it gave me great pleasure and made me understand once again, even if there was no need, what a responsibility goes with and what satisfaction comes from this work with Ferrari and Maserati, two great companies with so many fans and enthusiasts, who also represent Italy throughout the world."

Michael Schumacher was asked how important it was for the team that Montezemolo had turned down the offer: "Even though he is not involved in the technical detail he has always backed us each and every time we needed to develop the car in order to make it go quicker. Montezemolo has always been a help to us and this is very important in ensuring stability within the team."

Montezemolo also spoke about the main talking point to come out of the Austrian Grand Prix, denying with irony that having decided to remain in government with Ferrari, he was likely to find Barrichello on the opposition benches. "No, I don't think so," said Montezemolo. "Meanwhile, I am always in favour of sincere and constructive opposition. In Austria we had a bit of a troubled Grand Prix. Schumacher could have won but for the incident with Montoya and I think it could have been quite an easy win. There have always been team orders: from Fangio with Enzo Ferrari to McLaren in the first race of the season three years ago. Barrichello does well not to get angry and instead to think of winning soon, because if he does get angry it just makes the job twice as hard."

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