Family feud at Ferrari

Although there was open hostility between new Ferrari chairman Sergio Marchionne and outgoing chairman Luca di Montezemolo at this week's Paris motor show, at separate press conference held the same day the Fiat Chrysler supremo was charitable in his remarks about the latter’s lengthy tenure at the helm of the Italian supercar brand.

“I think Luca and the team at Ferrari have done a phenomenal job at building the road car division… especially if you look at what was revealed today in terms of the last edition of the 458 [the topless 458 Speciale A] and the level of development that they’ve made in these cars, [putting out] over 500 horsepower and zero to a hundred in under three seconds," said Marchionne.

“These are unique attributes. I happen to own an Enzo and the Enzo from zero to a hundred is fighting against the 458, so I mean we have made huge strides technically in the last 10 years.  And it’s a tradition that cannot be interrupted by a change in the chairmanship of the house. 

“I think it’s absolutely clear, at least from where I sit, that all that work, in terms of the uniqueness, the exclusivity, technical prowess of the brand needs to be preserved. So you're not going to hear any significant deviation from that strategy that Luca put together and so we’ll go merrily on our way.”

Marchionne was slightly less generous in a separate, joint press conference with di Montezemolo on the same day, to which he arrived late without acknowledging the man who has run Ferrari for 23 years.

"This is at least for me an important day, as it is my last meeting with you," said di Montezemolo. "And, you know, the life is strange, and life makes surprises to each of us. What is important is to learn and look ahead."

Di Montezemolo said he didn't know what he was going to do after leaving Ferrari, which will provide him with a €23 million severance package.

Responding to questions about his departure, he winked and gestured towards Marchionne, who will succeed him as Ferrari chief when the company joins Fiat in its first Wall Street listing on October 13.

"If you have three hours, I will explain. After 23 years, we are in front of a new era, because for sure this will be a new era with the group, with the flotation, it is time to leave, even because at the end of the day I am at the end of my long and fantastic trip inside Ferrari."

Responding to the same question, Marchionne, who had by now turned his back to Montezemolo and was examining leather samples with Ferrari CEO Amedeo Felisa, said: "There is not a single doubt in my mind that his departure is not as glorious as you want to make it.

"We can build a whole pile of hypothesis and conjecture. At the end of the day, I think Luca and I have come to the conclusion that, as a result of the flotation of Fiat-Chrysler in the US, this is opening up a new page in this organisation.

"Luca has had a phenomenally impressive career within Ferrari. He's been the chairman of Fiat for a period of six years, was on the board with me for 12, he has been an integral contributor to the resurrection of Fiat and has done a tremendous job of leading Ferrari.

"Wherever you’re hearing those whispers, that’s absolute bullshit. Whatever radio station you’re listening to, change the station.”