The rule was greeted with derision by almost everyone within the sport when it
was announced earlier this month. And while Montezemolo was cagey regarding
which way Ferrari voted at the Strategy Group meeting in Paris, and stressed
that he considered the matter too trifling to deploy Ferrari’s right of
veto, he admitted that he remained far from convinced.
“I’m not enthusiastic. For me it looks too much artificial,”
Montezemolo said. “I remember when we did three points for the soccer,
to avoid always the 0-0. But this was from the first match to the last
match. I think Ferrari’s veto right has to be used for something more
important. But I would not be surprised if this decision in the future will
be changed.”
Asked if he thought that might happen before the start of the 2014 season,
Montezemolo said: “This I don’t know but I would not be surprised maybe
after one year. I think the best way is maybe to do a one-year [trial]. I
personally have some doubts.”
Montezemolo also denied there were any lingering issues with star driver
Fernando Alonso after a season of tension behind the scenes, laughing off
McLaren’s very public declarations of interest.
“This is something good for the press,” he smiled. “I am very
pleased with Fernando. He made a very good season again. You [the media]
like sometimes to put some pepper on the food. And yes, Fernando was
frustrated sometimes not to have a car capable to win. But this is the
moment to be together. He has a contract with us until the end of 2016. My
only concern is to give him a better car.”
Montezemolo predicted that the return of Kimi Raikkonen to the team would help
to keep Alonso sharp while making it clear that, despite Ferrari’s
insistence that their men will have equal opportunities, the Spaniard
remains the team’s No 1 driver.
“Listen, I have a lot of problems today but the No 1 driver today is not
a problem,” Ferrari’s president said when asked about a possible move
in the future for Sebastian Vettel or Lewis Hamilton. “I like Vettel
very much as a person. I like Hamilton as a fighter. These are the two
drivers after Fernando I like the most. And Kimi too.
“Kimi will be in a position to get points even from Fernando’s
competitors. He will not leave Fernando alone in the front to fight.”
Meanwhile, the BBC has announced its nine live picks for the 2014 season. It
will not have the opening race in Melbourne or the Monaco Grand Prix, but it
will screen the season finale in Abu Dhabi live on Nov 23. Sky Sports will
have all 19 races live.