Ever the diplomat, Ferrari Chairman Luca Montezemolo made his traditional speech outlining plans for the year, but took great pleasure in speaking as the boss of a reigning Champion team. The ties with our nation have always been strong so I would like to thank all of you for contributing to our cause. He also stressed that key members such as Ross Brawn and Todt would remain at the team, despite other outfits attempting to poach them. To win one needs ambition, motives, the right partners, the fans, and the drivers, he emphasised. I believe that we have the strongest ones around, and to clarify once and for all they are going to stay.
Stability is the key to success.
And that is also true for Todt and the rest of the team. Optimising the concept Created under Technical Director Ross Brawn s capable supervision, the F2001 was penned by South African veteran Rory Byrne, who has now been responsible for four Ferraris. Brawn said that meeting the FIA s new regulations was the toughest aspect in the realisation of the new car. Definitely, because they were the biggest changes we have had since 1998, he said. This car is actually an evolution of the F12000, but the regulations mean there have been some substantial changes.