Marco Mattiaci was clear yesterday when asked about the rumour circulating the paddock on a possible incorporation of Adrian Newey to Ferrari during the team managers’ press yesterday.
Mattiacci, who is debuting in a situation like this, spoke at the right moment, doing a good job and demonstrating control and strongness against all attacks coming from the press.
The first question by FIA was if he had a vision of how Ferrari would be with him. He said definitely not, adding: “Surely we have an image, we have a very accurate picture of the problems that we have suffered so far. We know we need to continually improve each race and that’s the way we’re working. ”
FIA question was easy, but then press’ turn arrived. He was first asked about his opinion on the 4.5 seconds of distance from pole position in Barcelona. The manager defended himself wondering if it was good for the fans but concluded “we have to reduce costs in order to offer a better product to Formula 1. However, this is a very difficult task.”
But that is not the end. The million dollar question was this one: Did you invite Adrian Newey to work for Ferrari? The answer was clear and convincing: “What? If I invited Adrian Newey to work for Ferrari? No!”
He also said that he felt confident to improve in each race and Ferrari making a more competitive car. “We have two great drivers and the team is really working in the gap [with Mercedes]”.