Ferrari chairman Sergio Marchionne warns that the team faces another difficult season in 2015.

Any Ferrari fans expecting a pre-Christmas boost as the team a break before preparations for 2015 continue, was in for a major disappointment as the Italian outfit hosted a press conference ahead of its Christmas lunch.

While Marchionne refused to even glimpse at the ghost of season past, he admitted that his vision of the season future is looking equally grim.

"2015 will be a difficult year that will put the team to a real test," he told reporters. "We must forget 2014," he added. "I don't want to talk about 2014.

"2015 will be a reconstitution year," he continued. "It will be Maurizio's first full year with the team.

"We started late with the 2015 car, certain choices and strategies that were made by others and that, in retrospect, I don't necessarily share," he added. "So it will be a difficult year, though I think hopefully within the next 12 months we will remove all the baggage of uncertainty that is going to plague at least the initial phase of 2015.

"Not to underestimate the significance or the magnitude of the task, I think Ferrari can probably get to the same place (as Mercedes) by the end of 2015. Some of the work has already started. We need to be able to emulate their success."

Maurizio Arrivabene, the team's third team principal this year, revealed that having passed the mandatory crash tests, the 2015 car is on schedule. However, continuing Marchionne's pessimistic tone he admitted that two wins next season would constitute real success for the Maranello outfit.

"If we win four, we go to heaven," added Marchionne.

Finishing fourth in the Constructors' Championship, 2014 marked the Scuderia's first season without a single win since 1993.

In the wake of the continuing failure, the Maranello outfit has seen a massive overhaul at almost every level, not least the recruitment of Sebastian Vettel to replace Fernando Alonso.

"I bring experience that has matured in my last company," said Arrivabene, "the fact of knowing how to motivate people and to get the best out of them.

"In the company I've seen plenty of will to get things done: I am here to give the people my trust and to streamline the team. We won't get anywhere individually, we have to work as a group."

LATEST NEWS

more news >

LATEST IMAGES

galleries >

Click to go to the main galleries section

READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by Marybeth, 23/12/2014 0:10

" Sergio, If it will help you, I will try to find time in my busy retired schedule so we can ‘do’ lunch & I will explain to you what needs to be done & why, a slice of my brilliant insight. :) Just let me know. :)"

Rating: Neutral (0) Rate comment: Positive | NegativeReport this comment

2. Posted by yeyox, 22/12/2014 23:53

"It is a shame that Mr. Sergio Marchionne is preparing the way for another Ferrari disaster so Tifosi, start crying right now."

Rating: Neutral (0) Rate comment: Positive | NegativeReport this comment

3. Posted by Ro, 22/12/2014 22:44

"Well, someone took my previous post off, pity. Ferrari will struggle and the ones at the top will blame all the ones below....it'll be a circus!"

Rating: Positive (1) Rate comment: Positive | NegativeReport this comment

4. Posted by PeterMann, 22/12/2014 21:16

"Italian / Ferrari politics at their very best - three months to go before the 2015 season starts and already the boss is blaming others for a crap year. What a way to motivate. Kimi won't give a toss, but poor old Sebastian can already see himself near the back of the grid."

Rating: Neutral (0) Rate comment: Positive | NegativeReport this comment

5. Posted by Martin B, 22/12/2014 20:06

"I just want to say that I think 2014 was a great season with really fantastic racing throughout the field. Who really cares about engine noise as long as the racing is better? I would like to know the stat on overtaking moves this year compared to the last couple of years. Apart from Jules horrible accident it was great this year. As for this article I think Ferrari are onto a loser given that they have lost Fernando, Gained Sebastian, McLaren have Honda and Alonso next year and Ricciardo, Kvyat and Bottas proved that they are the real deal. Looking forward to 2015!!!"

Rating: Positive (1) Rate comment: Positive | NegativeReport this comment

A grim warning from Marchionne

LATEST NEWS

RELATED ARTICLES

LATEST IMAGES

POST A COMMENT

Post your comment

READERS COMMENTS

Share this page