Following
yesterday official announcement of a senior management reshuffle at
Scuderia Ferrari in time for the challenge of the 2007 Grand Prix season, Jean Todt,
Ross Brawn, Paolo Martinelli and Michael Schumacher, the
latter three who have all now departed from the team, have
this morning all passed their comment on the sweeping changes.
Jean Todt: "To see such an important chapter in the
history of Ferrari come to a close has a special effect on
me, even though I know that that's life and we have to
accept it. These have been extraordinary years on both the
professional and human front, with important achievements
coming as a result of the values instilled in our family. I
thank Ross and Paolo for their unparalleled efforts and I
wish them all the best in achieving the objectives they have
set themselves in their new lives. As I said, a chapter
closes but life at Ferrari moves onward and it is with pride
and determination that we will tackle the next challenges,
be they in the industry or in sport."
Ross Brawn: "I wish to thank Ferrari for allowing me
to be part of a wonderful period in the history of the team.
Everyone knows that Ferrari is a legend but more important
are the people who work here. They have demonstrated
extraordinary professionalism, loyalty, motivation and
passion for their tasks. They are all exceptional human
beings. For some time now, we have prepared for this
handover and I am pleased to be able to pass on my
responsibilities to people whom I am convinced can do an
even better job than me. I have great faith in all of them
and I am sure they will bring many more successes home to
Maranello."
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"I have to thank Ross Brawn as he has been on hand
to help me with all my successes in Formula 1," said
Michael Schumacher. "His strong personality and his
natural authority have been of fundamental
importance for the team." Above: Schumacher with
Piero Ferrari at Monza. |
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"I wish to thank Ferrari for allowing me to be part
of a wonderful period in the history of the team,"
said Ross Brawn. "Everyone knows that Ferrari is a
legend but more important are the people who work
here." Above: Brawn on the podium in Brazil with
race winner Felipe Massa. |
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Paolo Martinelli: "I have spent my entire working
life with Ferrari, first of all on the Grantursimo cars
side, where I worked for sixteen years and then, as of
January 1995, at the Gestione Sportiva. Both environments
provided exceptional experiences that were fascinating and
gratifying. President Montezemolo would often joke about the
fact I joined the company when I was still in short
trousers, but now I find myself about to take on a third
personal challenge in the Fiat Group. I will leave part of
my heart at Maranello. These have been unforgettable times
as part of a fantastic team made up of people who are
exceptional in both professional and personal terms."
Michael Schumacher: "I have to thank Ross Brawn as he
has been on hand to help me with all my successes in Formula
1. His strong personality and his natural authority have
been of fundamental importance for the team. Ross is able to
prepare people for the work they have to do, to help and to
stimulate them and to point them in the right direction. In
my mind, he will always set the standard. In the last six
years of Formula 1, I have only suffered two engine failures
and that says all there is to say about the quality of
Paolo's work. It is not because of what happened at Suzuka
that we have not been able to take the final title win, but
in fact, the reliability of the engine has always been at
the root of our success. I hold him in great esteem and wish
him all the best on his new professional path."
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