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Di Montezemolo: Alonso Will Drive for Ferrari

Although Ferrari have not said anything about a potential signing of Fernando Alonso for the 2010 season – as all fans were expecting in recent weeks – it has now emerged that it's only a matter of time until the 2-time world champion will finally drive for the prancing horse in Formula One. The announcement was made by the Italian company's very CEO Luca di Montezemolo, who said he'll get personally involved to sign Alonso sooner or later.

Sooner or later I'll make it happen. We'll see when. For next year we have Raikkonen, Massa, Fisichella, Badoer, Gene, and I hope Michael Schumacher, so we have a bench as long as Real Madrid's,” confirmed Di Montezemolo for the Spanish media while at Monza.

Having said that, I've always liked Alonso, because he is a great driver that I spotted back when he was in Minardi. He won titles, and I've always thought that sooner or later, all great drivers come to Ferrari. Before the race at Imola, Ayton Senna came to me and told me: 'I want to end my career with Ferrari'; Prost, Lauda, Mansell, Michael, so we'll see. We look ahead, and life is long for everyone,” added the Italian official.

Di Montezemolo's statement comes only minutes away from Ferrari's announcing Michael Schumacher has extended his deal with the Maranello based team for an additional 3 years. Although the 40-year old German revealed his role within the Ferrari organization will be more focused on road car production, the company's CEO still doesn't seem to let go the idea of convincing Schu to return to the sport.

Talking about that prospect, Di Montezemolo insisted that the best solution for that problem would be the FIA allowing the F1 teams to field a 3rd car starting next year. While out of the question from Frank Williams' standpoint, the idea seems to appeal to the Ferrari official lately.

I think appointing a third car to a young driver or to something new would be useful for the sport. Just look what Michael's return at Valencia would have meant. We must look ahead and try to do it,” added Di Montezemolo.
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