"I'm optimistic about my country's future," Luca di Montezemolo told renowned American journalist Charlie Rose who hosts the eponymous nationwide talk show on the PBS network.

"I'm optimistic about my country's future," Luca di Montezemolo told renowned American journalist Charlie Rose who hosts the eponymous nationwide talk show on the PBS network. "There are three main reasons for this: firstly we have a solid coalition in government, and secondly, so far there seems to me to be a constructive atmosphere between the majority and the opposition despite their differing roles. Thirdly because we are finally realising that we all - every single one of us - has to do our bit in the face of this economic crisis, particularly the best resources in the country."

Charlie Rose, whose talk show guests include politicians, economists, entertainers and cultural exponents, interviewed Ferrari President Luca di Montezemolo on a variety of subjects for a full 40 minutes: Italy, politics, the economy and, naturally, Ferrari and Formula 1.

In answer to the journalist's questions on Italian politics, Montezemolo explained: "We've gone from 25 to 6 political groups in Parliament and that is a positive move. The Prodi government was made up of a very fragmented coalition that was probably also the most leftist in Europe when what we really need to do is to overcome the old right-left dichotomy. The people must and are focusing increasingly on plans and real problems. The government headed by the Honourable Berlusconi has a stable majority and that makes me optimistic." "Italy's biggest problem in terms of institutions," added the Ferrari President, "is that major decisions haven't been taken for so many years and now we can't procrastinate any longer: there are no more excuses left."

Talking about the global economy, Luca di Montezemolo commented: "The two main problems that the global economy has to face are the cost of energy and the cost of food." With regard to development, Montezemolo spoke about the central role played by competitiveness which, however, "must go hand in hand with attention to social and environmental issues."

Needless to say, Montezemolo also spoke about his beloved Ferrari: "Yes, I am convinced that we can win the Formula 1 world title again this year, touch wood," he said. "We did it last year because we are a team and this year we have an even better car too." When it comes to Ferrari's road cars, he added: "The Ferrari California is a fantastic car that completes our range and flanks the F430. Those two cars are aimed at very different kinds of clients. The California is the very pinnacle in terms of design and technology too because it is, like all of our cars, the fruit of the passion of the people that work in Ferrari."

Luca di Montezemolo also looked back on some of the high points of his time at Ferrari: "Our return to victory in the Formula 1 Drivers and Constructors Championships in 2000 after over 20 years and winning the Best Place to Work award in Europe in 2007."

Regarding the relaunch of Fiat, the President commented that he is "very proud of the choices and the deep-seated changes that have been made. We now have better cars, better people and a better mentality. We put the client at the centre of our focus." He concluded: "America remains the goal for Alfa Romeo - there's great potential for it in this country."