Montezemolo wary of “trickery” by rival teams

Ferrari boss Luca di Montezemolo has used the unusual medium of an open letter to the tifosi to emphasise his scepticism about the new regulations.

He also made it clear that he fears that there is scope for teams to bend the rules, a comment that is unlikely to be well received up and down the pitlane.

“The first target is reliability, as we clearly saw in the test sessions,” he said. “Everyone has issues; we have lined ours up and we are in the process of resolving them. We’re also putting into practice an intense plan of development, which can count on the fact that the data from the wind tunnel have been confirmed by the track comparisons, something that has not happened in recent years. It will also be a difficult championship for the spectators to follow. The drivers will have to take care that they do not wear out the tyres and save fuel.

“I have already said that I hope they don’t turn into taxi drivers and I say that with the greatest respect to taxi drivers, but they obviously do a different job. I, like all of you, love an extreme Formula 1 where technology and drivers are always on the limit. Such an important set of changes to the regulations is bringing some grey areas, for example fuel, software, consumption… In these I am fully expecting the FIA to be vigilant – as I’m sure they will be – to avoid any trickery, which has also taken place in the recent past but must not happen any more for the good of this sport.”

Meanwhile he made it clear that Ferrari is targeting the championship.

“I have asked for the highest commitment from Domenicali and his team and I know that they are all doing their best. We have a strong team, the best driver pairing – who are experienced and very talented – and everyone knows what they have to do. We can count on an important factor that only we have: the immense affection from you, our tifosi, all over the world. I ask you for your usual great support: let’s not go overboard in the good moments and let’s not give up in harder ones. The championship is long and the objective is clear.”