New Ferrari a "huge step forward"- Marchionne

Sergio Marchionne has broken Ferrari's winter silence by stating that he "optimistic" ahead of the 2017 world championship. The team are hoping to bounce back from a torrid 2016 campaign which saw them emerge without a win.

The team is also involved in a 'media blackout' which means they are refusing to speak to the media, however that is expected to end today. Marchionne is the first to properly comment on the team's prospects for this year.

"We are optimistic," president Marchionne is quoted by Italian media, "but I don't know if this machine is able to win the championship. But we will not be ashamed this year, and that is important," he added.

When asked specifically about the 2017 car, Marchionne was quoted by La Repubblica as answering: "It's more powerful, for sure. From what I saw yesterday, I'm happy.

"The forecasts that we did have been fulfilled. The behaviour of the car on the track is in line with expectations. It is a huge step forward compared to where we were last year," he added.

Fergal Walsh