Ferrari Argue They Are the Only True Manufacturer in Formula One

Yesterday's car launch event at Maranello gave Ferrari's CEO Luca di Montezemolo the chance to talk for the first time this year about the Scuderia's plans, likes and dislikes of the upcoming Formula One season. While expressing his hope that 2010 will mark Ferrari's comeback into the elite of the Great Circus, the Italian boss also launched a covert attack on rivals Mercedes.

Di Montezemolo told the media present at the event that he considers his company to be the only true manufacturer in Formula One, despite the fact that the series includes also rivals Mercedes and French carmaker Renault. To explain his position, the Italian boss brought historic arguments.

“You can not compare Ferrari with Mercedes. We have been in formula one for 61 years without interruption, and in Italy. Mercedes as the German team has everything built in England,” said Di Montezemolo.

In addition, Di Montezemolo argued that Mercedes' current factory team is actually the former Honda outfit. However, that doesn't minimize his respect for the German manufacturer, especially since Mercedes has been one of the few carmakers to maintain their involvement in the series through such difficult economic times like these.

“First they were a partner of McLaren, now they have purchased the former Honda team. But they have taken the courageous path of increasing the involvement in Formula One, and I very much welcome that. I have great respect (for Mercedes). But it's a different involvement to us,” added the Ferrari boss.