At this morning’s informal meeting with the media present at the 2004 Ferrari Maserati World Finals, it fell to Jean Todt to open proceedings.

The Ferrari Managing Director was joined by Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello at the Monza circuit where the drivers were taking part in a Formula 1 demonstration run this afternoon.

'It is particularly enjoyable to be here at Monza for this day of celebration, without any sort of pressure or tension, in a completely different atmosphere to what we are used to at the Grands Prix, where we always face a difficult challenge,' declared Todt.

'The entire Ferrari family has turned out here: the team, the owners, the fans, the sponsors, all together to celebrate a season which can be described as unique.

'It will definitely not be easy to repeat it, because the car world is a difficult one on all levels and we always set ourselves very ambitious targets. In Formula 1, we took both world titles.

'As for the road cars, this year we launched two new models, the 612 Scaglietti and the Ferrari 430 and our sales reached a record level, while the licensing and merchandising operations are doing well. We are very satisfied with everything that has happened this year,' said Todt.

'Obviously, we need to look to the future, which will be very competitive, given who we are up against, both in commercial and sporting terms.

'Our group is united, strong, stable, passionate and motivate. All this gives us the right lift to go forward in the same way.'
 

Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello also declared themselves very happy to be in Monza to celebrate this incredibly successful year.

Asked how he felt about being part of the greatest winning streak in Ferrari’s history, Michael replied that he obviously felt it was something fantastic, but that in sport, it was best to always look ahead, not backwards.

'We are used to always thinking about the next race, the next championship,' said the German champion. 'It is part of way of doing things, so there is not much time to reflect on what we are going through right now in terms of seeing the bigger picture.

'But it is great to be part of a day like this, with everyone together to celebrate a really unbelievable season.'

'Driving for Ferrari is a real dream, a dream come true,' added Rubens. 'Still today, I remember the emotions I felt when I saw my name on the side of the car for the first time.

'This is an extraordinary team, which works in unbelievable harmony. We work together and we win together, so it is very nice for all of us to be here together today.'

'What happened this year is something that no one could have predicted. 2004 was an exceptional year, probably unrepeatable, given the strength of the competition in Formula 1,' claimed Montezemolo.

'It is marvellous to be here in Monza to celebratre our sixth consecutive world title. This is a day to party, a really great day.

'The last time we were here in Monza was to celebrate our victory in 2001, when we could certainly not have expected the exceptional results we have achieved since then. When we won the Drivers’ title in 2000, after a 21 year drought, many thought we would spend the next few years celebrating.

'Instead, we invested, building a strong and united team. We continued to work constantly in design and development, giving it our all.

'We have a fantastic and stable working group, for whom technology is very important, but more important still is the human element,' underlined President Montezemolo.

'Therefore, I really want to thank the entire team: Jean Todt, who leads it, Michael who has won more than any other driver has ever done with Ferrari; Rubens who has been a cornerstone of all our Constructors’ titles from 2000 onwards.

'I want to thank those who follow the race, who work in Maranello: everyone, without exception, because this is a collective success which makes me very happy. I am proud to be President of Ferrari, I am proud of this team.
 

'We must not forget the invaluable contribution of all our sponsors and suppliers who play an active role in our success.

'If I can single out two as examples: Shell, who have stuck with us over the years, investing in technology and constant improvement and Bridgestone, who have played a really pivotal role in all our wins and with whom, over the past years, we have made great steps forward.'

Our success is important to us, to FIAT, to Italy, to everyone who has worked together to achieve these results,' continued Montezemolo.

'There are some who maintain that Formula 1 is boring. We want to enjoy this ‘boredom’ and we hope to be very 'bored' in the coming years too.

'Ferrari is constantly looking to the future,' replied the President, when asked for Ferrari’s position regarding next year’s rules and more generally, on the future of Formula 1.

'We have a lot to say on this subject, that is for later. I have nothing to add to what Todt said in Brazil. I also made some remarks on this subject not long ago, in Monza, but I do not wish to talk about it today.

'Today is all about enjoying this extraordinary year and this wonderful party.'