Ferrari in 'time of improvement and enthusiasm'

Ferrari is in a period of "change", according to John Elkann, chairman of parent carmaker Fiat Chrysler. Deep into the first half of the 2016 season, it is a tricky time for the fabled Maranello marque: arguably Mercedes' closest challenger but yet to win a single grand prix this year.

Ferrari president Sergio Marchionne insists that even with the rules changing so much for 2017, Ferrari is committed to the 2016 project but hinted that the team is also in a period of "change". Elkann, at the presentation of a new Maserati in Monte Carlo, agreed as he was quoted by Tuttosport: "I was in Maranello recently with Marchionne and I saw that the whole team is in a time of change, improvement and great enthusiasm."

Some paddock sages believe Marchionne may be putting too much public pressure on Ferrari this year. When asked about that, Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff told Corriere della Sera: "Marchionne has proved that he knows what he is doing. Pressure? In certain situations it is necessary, so long as it is channelled in the right direction. I know something about that myself with Dieter Zetsche," the Austrian smiled. (GMM)