A page turns in F1 for di Montezemolo

Ferrari President Luca di Montezemolo firmly believes that the era of domination by Max Mosley and Bernie Ecclestone in Formula 1 is over. The current crisis would accelerate the change at the top of the sport’s hierarchy.

Di Montezemolo played a key role in the recent discussions between the FIA and the Formula 1 teams united within the FOTA. Great progress has been made in developing new regulations that will provide a breath of fresh air to the teams’ budgets.

However, the Italian claims that one of the consequences of this new harmony between the teams comes from a better understanding of the situation. An asset that, in the past, was lacking for Ecclestone and Mosley.

It is for this reason that the slogan ‘divide and conquer’ which Mosley and Ecclestone had been advocating for several years can no longer be applied from now on.

“The time is passing and in a few seasons, I should retire,” di Montezemolo confided in the columns of Gazzetta dello Sport, when asked about the future direction of F1.

« The crisis is accelerating the renovation process that will happen no matter what. I’ve known Ecclestone since 1973, and I think he did an excellent job. But a few years ago, he was too greedy with the revenues, which were redistributed at a rate of 70% for him and 30% for all the teams. Now, we’re at 50-50. The situation is improving. »

« What is certain is that the period when divide and conquer were the keywords in Formula 1 is over. »

One of the key measures recently adopted is the involvement of an independent engine supplier who will provide standard engines to teams that have chosen this approach. Manufacturers can continue to produce their own engines.

Di Montezemolo reaffirmed on this occasion that perhaps all manufacturers would have left the sport if they had been forced to opt for this series engine.

« The threat of leaving F1 was very real. If the standard engine was applied to all teams, I think five manufacturers would have left the sport. »

« Since the first meeting with each team in Maranello last July, we have made great strides: In 2009, we will save 50% on engines, and from 2012, we will save 50% on the entire budget, » concluded the general director of Ferrari.