Bojan Vrbnjak
Today, August 14, is over 30 let since the death of the legendary Enza Ferrari. In Modena, in the San Cataldo cemetery, a huge wreath is always laid on his grave. Ferrari wrote on twitter: “A lifelong passion that continues the dreams of the world. Enzo remains in our hearts.”But the city of Modena is not the only one that pays tribute Enzo Ferrari, who died on 14 August 1988 at the age of 90, also a long-time president of the jumping horse, Luca Cordero di Montezemolo, paid tribute to the legendary Commentator.
"It's impossible to say in a few words what Enzo Ferrari meant to me," so Montezemolo. "I thank him for many things, for his courage, for his ability to look ahead even in difficult moments, both on a personal and business level. I often think about how lucky I was to know him personally and to be able to work with men like him and Lawyer Agnelli. They were both truly extraordinary people who took our country into the world. There was always a photo of the founder on my office desk in Maranello. If I had to make an important decision, I looked at the photo and wondered just what he would do. The example set by Enzo Ferrari is still in my mind. Thanks to his will and passion, he managed to make his dream come true and that is making exceptional cars. These are characteristics that are part of the DNA of all men and women who work for the company that bears his name. Enzo would be very happy to see what has emerged from a company, a unique industry and a racing institution that represents Italy in the greatest light and a brand that has more and more fans around the world."
Montezemolo between 1991 and 2014, he managed the most famous sports car company in the world, as well as the most popular racing team. The end of his period was not exactly glamorous, there was friction between him and Sergio Marchionne, who passed away in July 2018 and who became the new strong leader of Ferrari.
Nice parallel to you Ferrari in Luke of Montezemolo share year of birth - 1947. The following is true of a leading personality: you can remove Montezemolo from Ferrari, but no one can remove Ferrari from Montezemolo. In a conversation for colleagues from Journal of Sport Luca said: “I really miss Ferrari, the racing team, great co-workers, I miss customer contact, organization at work. I still watch every race and I still suffer and look forward to it like I used to. This is a huge stress. My wife always says, how come you lock yourself in a room for a race and don't want to talk to anyone? ”
As your most beautiful three moments with Ferrari, Luca marked: “Monza 1975, when Niki Lauda won his first racing title since 1964, and Clay Regazzoni won. In 1975, we didn’t have cell phones yet. They called me to boxing because Enzo Ferrari was on the phone. He just told me this: ‘Grazie’. A word he didn’t use often. He sounded very moved. To be precise, Enzo was crying. And then there was Suzuka 2000, when Michael Schumacher won his first title after 21 years of drought. Also, the stage for the winners at Monza in 2010 was unforgettable when Alonso won, and Massa was also on the podium."
At home at Montezemolo standing in the garage "gorgeous Ferrari, it is a 360 Barchetto designed by Pininfarina. It was a wedding gift from Gianni Agnelli. In all my years of service at Maranello, I have never used the opportunity to buy a Ferrari at a better price.. ” Montezemolo no longer believes in gifts Ferrari. "When Ferrari went to the stock market, I didn’t even get chocolate for my many years of work."
And it is chocolate that relates to the next hope Ferrari regarding winning the title of champion, Sebastian Vettl. “When we first met, he brought me chocolate from Switzerland. That was one year before the contract was signed. Michael Schumacher recommended that we take him on the team because he had a very good opinion of him. ”
Montezemolo once again he briefly summarizes the essence Scuderie. "Ferrari has celebrated great successes, but the secret behind those successes has always been the people. I tried to gain very talented collaborators around me like Jean Todt, Roty Byrne, Ross Brawn or Paolo Martinelli. Of elementary importance, however, was Michael Schumacher, with whom no one can compare, even in the way he always demanded team spirit from the entire team."
When Ferrari officially celebrated the 70th anniversary of the company in Maranello, one name on the guest list would be searched in vain, namely Luce di Montezemola. But the charismatic Italian just shrugged: “It's not that important. It's important for Ferrari to win the title again. ”
