Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo says it is ‘humiliating’ forFormula One that the safety car is needed to spice up the show.
And despite the widespread praise the Singapore Grand Prix received,
the Italian was also critical of the Asian street circuit, which hosted
Formula One’s first night race.
"Unfortunately when we race on tracks where staging a circus or
something else would be better, anything can happen, because the
spectacle is supplied by the Safety Car," di Montezemolo was quoted as
saying by Gazzetta dello Sport.
"This is humiliating for F1.
"I want to talk about this with all the other teams in the upcoming weeks."
Di Montezemolo had already said ahead of the race weekend that he
believed street circuits such as Singapore or Valencia were bad for the
sport.
"I have the impression it will be another one of those letdowns
where you cannot overtake, like Valencia," he said last week. "Going
forward with these circuits heralds a bad future for Formula One."
Sunday’s race, which has been pretty much uneventful until then, was
turned upside down thanks to a safety car period that helped Renault
driver Fernando Alonso become the seventh different winner this season
against all odds.
The race was a disaster for Ferrari, who failed to score any points
for the first time since 2006. The team also lost the lead in the
constructors’ championship while Felipe Massa dropped seven points
behind Lewis Hamilton.
Di Montezemolo says, however, that he is convinced Ferrari can bounce back.
"It was a bitter day, but there are three races yet and I have faith
in all Ferrari’s men, who have always demonstrated they’re able to
fight to the last metre in every circumstance," di Montezemolo added.
"We saw that last year in the final race in Brazil.
"The car is the best, Massa is the best, and I expect Raikkonen to show in these last three races to be the world champion.
"Ferrari went through times much more difficult than this. We saw
throughout the weekend that our car was the best and that Massa did an
extraordinary qualifying, demonstrating to be be the driver in the best
shape.
"I expect Massa and Raikkonen to always finish first and second in the three remaining races. In any case, ahead of McLaren."
Di Montezemolo also said it was "obvious" that Kimi Raikkonen would have to play a supporting role to Massa now.
"That’s obvious, every driver knows he races for the team," he added.
"We have extraordinary mechanics who may make mistakes once in a
while. Obviously the one that did is the most displeased one now, but
he deserves us to stay close to him just like to everyone else, because
at other times they turned the result around.
"We are the world champions, we are still able to win. Let’s see if
we don’t do it with these exceptional people. You’ll see a great
reaction at the next race already."
It was only a matter of time that Di Montezemolo had a go about F1
again, but it’s great that he’s said some really encouraging things for
Ferrari. His words almost sound like a speech before a battle in a war
or something. "Ferrari’s men" have a lot of pressure on their shoulders
now. I’m not in agreement with Di Montezemolo saying Massa is the best
though! Perhaps in qualifying, yes, he’s been astounding. But most of
the time Kimi’s race pace has been stronger and his ‘never give up’
attitude should appeal more to Ferrari. I’m on a roll now…
The
flame of passion in Kimi’s heart is always burning – his performance at
Spa proves that. Massa, however, couldn’t turn the pitstop
disappointment into vengence at Singapore, for example. Whereas when
something goes wrong for Kimi, he doesn’t let it crush him but he’d continue to push like a bat out of hell even if that means he’ll crush
himself in the process. It’s better to fall into error instead of
letting error create your fall. Kimi picks himself up and fights harder
the next time round. You just need to watch the 2005 Japanese GP to see
that even if your championship fight is literally over, that doesn’t
stop you from enjoying what you do and to win again. People are already
saying, based on the results, that Kimi doesn’t quite live up to his
nickname anymore. But what they fail to realise is ‘The Iceman’ isn’t a
name for his talent, but for his mentality, his approach to F1 as well as life. Only a man
like Kimi can brush off ridiculous amounts of criticisms, that no doubt
are springing everywhere after Singapore. Only a man like Kimi can
refuse to speak lowly of his fellow competitors and teams despite the
persistant media. Only a man like Kimi can say it how it is without
pursuing any self praise. Seeing disappointment year after year, in
2003, 2004, 2005, and 2006 at McLaren didn’t go to waste. Kimi’s right
when he says he has seen enough in Formula One. He’s a humble person
but he will continue to fight in these final three races. Hail Champion
Raikkonen!
FUCK ISRAEL 
Saima, what you wrote is perfect! I’m sure Kimi will keep fighting, he is the same, we know! Congratulations to your words, is that Kimi needs now, our support, of their true fans, who we are!
Keep Flying Kimi…We Keep Supporting you!
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I don’t know why Montezemolo says Massa is the best, because he is simply NOT! IMO, the ‘Iceman’ is much more than a ‘World Champion’.
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Hey everyone! Ohhhh, I´m pissed at Montezemolo now!!! WTF is that about Massa being the best?!?!? And that he expects Kimi to show he´s the world champion?!?!? Hasn´t he been doing that?!?!!? Arrrgh, I´m angry, because Ferrari are the ones who mess up, fail to give Kimi a car that suits HIS driving style, and now comes this nonsense!!! I´m seriously not understanding how this team is working and thinking at the moment. This statement is just a pathetic cry for help on Luca´s behalf…….and they still expect Kimi to support Felipe….I say to hell with them, Kimi should not support Felipe, he should just go out and do his own thing, Massa doesn´t deserve the championship, and even if he did, he should win it on his own.And that nonsense Domenicali has been saying about three 1-2 finishes for the last races, how does he think they´re gonna pull that off when they can´t have one single trouble free weekend? I´m pissed off, so pissed off!!!!!!!(sorry :s!)But all you´ve said sweetie, as always is comforting, no one understands Kimi better than you (and us), you manage to transform what we all see and feel in Kimi into words, that couldn´t be more accurate and beautiful. Thank you!"The flame of passion in Kimi´s heart is always burning…" – just perfect.KEEP FLYING KIMI – KEEP FLYING EVENSTAR!!!
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The other day when Montezemolo said he belive Raikkonen will become good again because he is World Champion, he won the WDC on his first year with Ferrari…. I was quite happy then because I thought at least Kimi is working for someone who understand and appreciate him. Now I’m so very angry… these people never think about what did they done wrong all they do is blame other people. I really feel sorry for Kimi….has to face this kind of criticism not only from outside but also from his own team.
Anyway…. we all know Kimi won’t be fazed by any of these…and he will be back stronger and faster.. Go Kimi!!! Let’s go have some fun and…..
KEEP SMILING and FLYING KIMI!!!
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"It’s better to fall into error instead of letting error create your fall."
Nice Saima. Real nice 🙂
And your comment on "The Iceman" badge isnt a name for his talent, but for his mentality. Fantastic. Im putting that on my group!
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It is a hard team to be in. Very passionate and outspoken. Sometimes not what anyone wants to hear. Then again I don’t think that Kimi will be put off by these words. He is strong and he knows what he has to do, he knows what he can do, and he will do it. I, and I am sure all of you, have every faith in him to do his best at all times. Evenstar, your words are beautiful and true.
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oh Saima, i LOVE to read your words, you always say exactly what we all think but you’re better than us for that!!!
they must read that too!
that’s just perfect. i follow you, no doubt about who is really Kimi Raikkonen, just pity that they don’t do what they have to, being aware of that, and sure they are!
"Massa is the best" , that’s really make me laugh, i hallucinate!!!
but i’m sure he can’t really think that but what can he say else? Massa has more chances to win the tittle( even if i really doubt!!!) and he’s totally lost when things don’t go like he wants, sure that the boss can’t tell that! lol! Massa is so ridiculous ( for me in any case!) that he needs to hear those words from the big boss but i personaly think that this boss is more ridiculous saying that!!
but no matter, Kimi will fly over, he doesn’t need someone tell him he’s good, but i wish that he will read your comments Saima!
it helps to feel even better, thanks
big hug
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Hi, Saima, I totally agree what you said. I was there in both SPA and Sinagpore, and I still believe KIMI is the best, the one we always supported, no matter what others said.
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Di Montezemolo will make Ferrari the most equal team in F1, though not the best necessarily. That is why he was so eager to sign Raikkonen to replace Schumacher,he had ‘suffered’ from the latter enough. Kimi is not political, a PURE driver, and his talent and mentality(as Saima puts it) definitely make him the best candidate for Montezemolo’s plan. No matter which driver wins the championship,no matter how many times he wins, Ferrari will adopt its ‘drivers equality’ policy as long as Montzemolo is in charge. For sure, it is not a bad policy despite its possible motives.
And when OUR ICEMAN could get a car suitable for his style, all he wants and will attains is the WORLD CHAMPION! and he will make it. we could believee in him. and I am really looking forward to 2009 and 2010!
KIMI HAS A CHAMPION’S HEART. A HEART strong enough to get through thick and thin,through highs and lows, and retain the same avid aspiration for winning! and winnings only! KEEP FLYING!KIMI! and you all here two!
though I am a bit worried if he would be given the chance to win the remaining races,hopefully my concern is superfluous:)
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I enjoy reading all the comments. Saima, you do indeed have a way with words! English not being my mother tongue, I find it difficult to express myself but when I read your reviews I am just constantly nodding my head in agreement. You manage to put my thoughts into words. Sol123 ia another favourite. When I read his/her (?) comments it is as if there is a sound track as well.
I can accept human error. I make mistakes myself. Ferrari, however, does not seem to be the professional team of a few years back (and I am not referring to the drivers). There is something amateurish in their approach this season. Could it have anything to do with changes with regard to Ross Brawn and Jean Todt? Maybe I am just ignorant, but I find Ferrari’s strategies boring and predictable. The way they have approached Kimi’s problem with his car and his qualifying nightmare is so, so … ordinary and without conviction!
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Wow, you sure rallied Kimi fans, Saima! Awesome. Luca never forgets, not even for a second, that Kimi is THE world champion. Thank God he’s boss. And, oh… HAIL KIMI!
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Everyone seems to be upset with Luca. I think he only said that because Massa is in a better position to bag the WDC but he still emphasized that he expects Kimi to drive like the world champion that HE IS.
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Hahaha! Lol Really, it just came out. I tend to blab on a bit when it comes to Kimi. I’m glad most of it made sense then!But yeah Dindi, I guess you’re right that Luca meant Massa is the best in the championship situation. I thought Hamilton was the leader though?! :p So technically, he just feels that the F2008 combo with Massa is the best. I still don’t get why he expects KIMI to show he’s a world champion, Kimi can do much if the car won’t let him and if the team mess up so badly in the races like that. That’s why some of us were annoyed about that comment.By the way, I’ve just written a mini article for Kimi’s birthday, for the 1Kimi.com magazine. I’ll post it here on Kimi’s actual birthday though 🙂
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Hiya Saima, can’t wait to read your article for Kimi’s birthday (clap)(clap)
Did Kimi say anything on Kimi’s column yet? Seems like a long time since Sunday….
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:)Nope, no column on his website yet…it does seem a long time ago since the race, but it’s only been 3 days.
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Hi Saima, Nice comments :). My friends teased me about kimi hit the wall at singaporegp. I said I never tired being a fan of Kimi Raikkonen 🙂 .
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