Ferrari bosses deny heads to roll after title loss

Luca di Montezemolo and Stefano Domenicali have played down reports that heads will roll as a result of Ferrari’s championship loss in 2010.

Italian reports had warned chief engineer Chris Dyer was in the spotlight after the bungled race strategy in Abu Dhabi that cost Fernando Alonso the title.

“Changes within the team?  That is not our philosophy, because for years now we have adopted a policy based on dynamic stability,” said president Montezemolo at the marque’s end-of-season event at Valencia.

“A few minor adjustments are possible, but no major upheaval,” he insisted.

Team boss Domenicali had also been singled out as a potential scapegoat for the 2010 outcome, but Montezemolo said he is “very happy” with the Italian’s work.

Domenicali also told Corriere della Sera that the idea of major staff changes has been ruled out.

“I could have followed the emotional wave after Singapore 2008, when the fuel nozzle was left attached to Massa’s car.

“But that man was one of the protagonists of the winning pitstop at Monza  this year,” insisted Domenicali.

Another touted potential ousting prior to the new campaign in 2011 is Felipe Massa, but Montezemolo said he is “sure” the struggling Brazilian will be back to top form next season.

Massa has singled out Bridgestone’s tyres as the root of his problems this year, and was pleased with his first taste of the 2011 Pirellis in Abu Dhabi recently.

“First impressions are very positive,” he said.  “Sure, there is still work to do, but it was a really good day.”
 © RIF | GMM