Ferrari boss Sergio Marchionne has again warned that the firm could quit Formula 1 if it does not agree with future rule changes in the sport.
The outspoken president of the Italian manufacturer has previously said that Ferrari is “at odds” with future engine plans outlined by Liberty Media, which owns F1.
That was just one topic he addressed in a typically candid interview session during the Geneva motor show. Here are his views on F1, Ferrari’s pricing and trade wars.
On Formula 1:
“I did not say we were leaving Formula 1 in 2020, but that if we cannot reconcile our differences then we will leave.
“We’ve raced in F1 the longest of anyone. We understand the sport. It’s definitely hard to imagine F1 without Ferrari, so I sincerely hope we can go through.”
"We have been in dialogue with Liberty Media and I’m hopeful we will find a way and go forward by the end of this year. If it doesn’t, you will hear about it!”
F1: what changes to expect from the pinnacle of motorsport
On the future pricing of Ferrari cars:
“I don’t know how we should price the fastest V8 in our history [the new 488 Pista]. We always go through a discovery process with customers and ask them what they think they should pay for a car. We try to be fair. But I don’t think we’ve identified an upper limit on pricing yet.”
That suggests future models could cost more than the £252,695 price of a 488 Pista.
711bhp Ferrari 488 Pista shown at Geneva
On the potential trade war between the US and European Union:
“I don’t like the thought of a trade war. I’m hopeful reason will prevail. We need to cool our jets instead of making a lot of noise. The reaction from the EU, targeting iconic brands such as Levi’s and Harley-Davidson, seems an unnecessarily childish reaction to the threat.
“Everybody should be quiet for a few days. The trade policy was put into place with the previous White House administration, so they’re understandably reviewing it. We need to sit down and hammer it out.”
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Legitimate question
Can somebody please explain to me the appeal that this individual seems to have?
tuga wrote:
He heads up Ferrari for starters, and if you get your head out of your @rse for a single moment, you'll realise he's one of the most honest, self-critical and outspoken industry captains.
manicm wrote:
And yet he seems to spool the same spiel about leaving F1 that Montezemolo used to run with.
He's trying to get what he wants. An unfair advantage in terms of the concorde agreement. The media is a perfect outlet for his peddling.
What a nice person! @rse...
In what way is he self critical, and why would anyone care about Ferrari, seeing as Ferrari wont sell them a car even if they can afford it?
tuga wrote:
Yeah , just like Porsche will sell anyone a GT3, and at list price. I disliked Marchionne too, but he admits Fiat is finished, and that he overestimated Alfa sales, for example - read his interview at TopGear,
Now get your head out of your proverbial...