Ferrari, Deep Throat's sad truth
Published by Leo Turrini Thu, 22/07/2010 - 14:13

On the eve of the German Grand Prix I have thought about Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein. You are young and you have the right not to remember who they are: two Washington Post journalists, leaders of the investigation in 1974 that led to the sensational resignation of U.S. President Richard Nixon.

In their investigation Woodward and Bernstein used an anonymous source. Deep Throat. Deep Throat's identity was always protected until in 2005, at the request of family members of the individual concerned, revealed who Deep Throat was. He was the No. 2 FBI, Mark Felt.

All right. Yesterday one important thing happened that could have consequences on the future of Ferrari. I Have spoken with Mr. X, a person who is informed on the facts. I can not say his name. However, I am authorized to report the discussions. They are below.

'Yesterday, as you know, Fiat decided to divide the empire into two companies. One that includes all car brands, Fiat, Lancia, Maserati, Alfa Romeo and all 85% of Ferrari. The other company does not concern us here, construction equipment, etc .... '

'Now, where is the real news, silenced by all the media in Italy? The fact is that Ferrari has stopped today as a 85% privately owned company of the family Elkann and has instead become a part of a well-controlled group... '

'Only fools and people with bad faith don't grasp the enormous difference. I'll give you an example that you know well. In the late nineties, Gianni Agnelli made an agreement with General Motors. The U.S. giant took over twenty percent of Fiat and agreed, by a certain date, to buy everything. Or pay a penalty and as it turned out, they dropped out ... '

'Good. When the agreement with GM was announced hell broke loose because if the Ferrari cars were included in the business it simply meant that if the Americans decided to buy everything, even the company from Maranello, including F1, it would become their own business ... '

'Then, as you remember I wrote at the time that Gianni Agnelli pointed out that Ferrari was not Fiat Group's goods, it belonged to the financial family. So, it was still outside the agreement. If General Motors would have taken everything Ferrari would still be Italian ... '

'Warning, this is no longer the case. The Marchionne era, IFI and IFIL, the Agnelli and the financial were merged. Ogi is Exor, which now owns and controls all car brands. Among these brands is also Ferrari. So if you create a similar situation, a situation that Gianni Agnelli in 1999 wanted to avoid, then ... '

'Let me explain. Marchionne has said: Do not rule out agreements with major car manufacturers in the new company that now owns Ferrari and Maserati, Fiat and Lancia, Alfa Romeo, etc.. So if Toyota or Volkswagen would in three years buy a majority of stocks they would also have control of Ferrari. It is not an independent company anymore ... '

'This is a hypothesis, not a certainty. Things should go well. But things might also go like this! So now you understand why president Montezemolo of Fiat Auto does not exist anymore, you know that someone like him, with him mightily on the Italians, rightly or wrongly, could not show his face in Fiat if he would produce the cars in Serbia ... '

'And do you think Montezemolo could remain where he is in 2012 if the leading shareholder in Fiat Auto would bes German or Japanese? But it's not even everything! In this context, if Alonso wins on the track it would be best for Todt's vengeful spirit, who also covers the business of his son who is tied to Massa, the plan of breaking b***, in short, would be better ... '

'I'd end up as Deep Throat said to Woodward: We're all in danger! But it is true, you don't read these things in Italian newspapers and in any case there is still the history of Ferrari. I assure you that Piero, the son of Drake, 10% shareholder, knows this perfectly. In fact, he is very concerned... '

Ferrari might get rid of Smedley
Published by Leo Turrini Mon, 26/07/2010 - 15:00

So, today was and still is a very busy day in Ferrari. As you know it isn't easy try and close the stable door after the horse already is on the run, however they are laughably trying. Here is some valuable information for you.

1) Tuft Kid, also known as Luca Cordero di Montezemolo, believes that the pitwall acted wisely. And he is furious over the way the story was dealt with at the level of communication even though he does not say it .

2) It's incredible in fact what happened during and immediately after the race. The way in which Smedley warns Massa ('Fernando is faster than you, confirm that you understand this message') seems to have been as if he was an enemy of the horse and wanted to slag the horse and that's why he expressed and acted in that manner.

3) It would be interesting to know why Stefano Domenicali didn't see it fit to use his own voice to Felipe. Maybe he was a victim of a sudden attack of hoarseness?

4) It is possible that Smedley leaves for some period of time before the Hungarian Grand Prix to learn how to say 'sorry' on live broadcast worldwide. And I wouldn't be surprised if the Ferrari garage had some more news on Sunday in Hungary

5) The leaders in Ferrari believe - again without saying so - that the management afterwards was disastrous. The declarations have assured the entire world press (except for Italy) that the Spaniard Alonso is driver #1. In Italy they know it. How did they treat Schumacher and Todt? Absolute crap, shame, and media lynching. Will they treat Dom and Alonso in the same way? Well good, down with hypocrisy and so on. Same names, same faces, and so on. And Domenicali's post race conference was dreadful.

6) However, the FIA World Council will not decide a thing. How could they? The FIA president is the Penguin, alias Jean Todt, the man of Zeltweg. If he does then he will give a champion a free ride between other drivers? Like in that movie 'Back to the Future 4'?

7) It's clear that in terms of image Ferrari can't continue this way. In one thing Montezemolo was absolutely right: in Germany we saw a fantastic car, for the first time this season the Red Army was unbeatable but the slaughtering news are about the pitwall. It has also brought the idea that Banco Santander Alonso has bought the team. You can tell your friend Briatore at Renault that 'It's ridiculous', now we don't know if Ferrari is still Ferrari and not a branch of a bank.

8) Massa came out well from this story. He was allowed to play bad if he follows the script to the end. But for someone to accuse him of not understanding it first and not giving the position to Fernando spontaneously, come on..... it's an insult to people's intelligence and loyalty.

9) Briatore didn't go to Ferrari for nothing. Schumacher didn't leave Ferrari for nothing. Even the Penguin didn't leave Ferrari for nothing. God creates them and pairs them with motorsport.

10) Take care and reason with your head, boys and girls.

Briatore: Alonso is right and this is why
Published by Leo Turrini Mon, 26/07/2010 - 20:01

I always enjoy chatting with Briatore. For a number of reasons. First he is Italian, it's nice, I admit. Second I almost always disagree with his views and this reinforces my damn self. Third, as some will remember we have a bet, he and I, about Hamilton and Button. Fourth, well, Flavio visited Maranello so it has to be something important since he is the manager of El Banco ...

This is how our conversation today went. To avoid any doubts, this is strictly true.

'Look, you are so jealous of me lying in the sun on a hundred yards long boat that you write in rage but I suppose you are interested in my views of the story of Alonso and Massa. ...'

On the phone, Flavio Briatore was in a splendid form. And the rest is money, the father says he is finally happy now that he is the manager of Fernando of Spain who has just returned to success in the German GP.

'No, no, let's have this talk, Elisabetta's husband Flavio says: "I support 100% the choice Ferrari's pit made'.

I didn't doubt that now that you live almost next to Maranello.

'Let me speak. Did my friend Domenicali have to do it? The season is almost half-away and only Alonso can still win the title. In this situation leaving him behind Massa would have been foolish '.

Yes, but ...

'No but. The result table is a reality, okay? And it's quite clear that in order for Fernando to succeed we need help from Felipe. If the Brasilian doesn't co-operate then it's necessarily not impossible to replace him.'

Allow me? In truth he didn't like it based on that freezing radio communication, half-lies in the post race interview ...

'You are allowed but we have to be clear about one thing. If you say that Ferrari could and should have solved the problem before the start of the race, I agree '.

Well, someone has got something wrong.

'In Maranello they know very well who is the leader. The leader is Alonso. If you tell me that Smedley didn't sound happy on radio, I agree. But the substance remains intact. Each team has two cars on the track, F1 is a team sport even if the driver's title goes to only one man'.

What would you have done?

'What Domenicali did'.

I bet by now you are as thick as thieves.

'But I would have done it before he did, I can assure you that. I would not have waited until there was less than twenty laps to the finish '.

However, the FIA fined the Ferrari and there will be a hearing before the world council.

'I wouldn't worry. The President of the International Federation is Jean Todt who did the same at Ferrari's pitbox in Zeltweg in 2002. He can't order those who follow his example. Oh, it's a joke, ... '

Apart from the controversy, what are Alonso's chances?

'Um, is not easy. They are still behind. But you know, the thing I regret is that this mess has overshadowed the great merits of the Ferrari team. In less than a month we have pulled off a fantastic car, we have recovered half a second to Red Bulll. We're great '.

Just?

'Once again, it is difficult to secure that Alonso alone can do it if Massa doesn't take take points away from other candidates'.

Flavio, you already speak like a leader of the Horse.

'Come on with this story! No, it will not happen, don't worry '.

Oh, I'm quite calm.

'I'm too. I'm far away from the pitbox and I feel great. Why should I ruin my liver by going to a place that you are a part of? '

Too much poison in Alonso's triumph

Published by Leo Turrini Sun, 25/07/2010 - 16:00

'Odin can better comment on the GP than you. Can you confirm that you have received this message?'

(Free translation of radio communications between Ferrari and Felipe Massa).

Sure, sure. I understand and I apologize for holding the first place. But still, that said, once a specific spring hit the Brazilians face in Budapest and so you should immediately declare that the triumph (the poison) of Ferrari is an award for the work the whole team has done. It took almost five months but at Hockenheim the Red was a missile with the pace of Red Bull and McLaren.

'Ukio can better comment comment on the GP than you. Can you confirm that you have received this message?'

(Free translation of radio communications between Ferrari and Felipe Massa).

Well, well. I understand. Bad bad indeed. My opinion on team rules is this: I find them useful and necessary when they REALLY are needed for the title. The Kimi-Massa at Interlagos in 2007, the last race, there you need them. Just as when Raikkonen a year later in Asia gave Felipe first place.

But this time there was no beauty in the eight Grand Prix! I might think that Alonso is stronger than Massa (and think so in fact), but with 200 (two hundred!) points still available do I tolerate such a thing?

'Rhodes can comment on the GP better than you. Can you confirm that you have received this message?'

(Free translation of radio communications between Ferrari and Felipe Massa).

I know, I know. But I want to continue with reasoning. I am not questioning Alonso's talent and his merits. But there are a number of questions we should ask ourselves.

Without that freezing radio message would the Spanish had been able to overtake the Brazilian? No, never. Because Felipe had already demonstrated that he wants to defend his position. He perhaps even prevented an accident.

What kind of Formula One do we love, with 'we' I mean this blog? That where Webber and Vettel disasterously exaggerated the conflict? Or that where 'Fernando is faster than you, confirm that you understand this message'? I replied in 2002 during a horrific afternoon in Zeltweg. I've changed my mind.

Must reason always win the heart? Forever?

Still. Fading memory, I remember some commentators ball-chained the Penguin (Todt) after Zeltweg. Strangely, even now on TV or radio or Internet sites I justify it because it was for the cause of the good. Strangely so to speak. I know my business which is unfortunate for them. But Alonso again has nothing to do with that so I'm not filled with excessive enthusiasm for his first place.

Furthermore. If Massa would want to act as a second driver and a co-driver we wouldn't need anyone whispering in his ear 'Fernando is faster than you ...'. Everything should be clear without saying it loud. Otherwise, as now is happening, Commissioners will convene after the race when you and Alonso come to the press room after the GP and Domenicali's whispering.

Conclusion. You are not as good as Odin, Rhodes and Ukio. I saw a huge Ferrari on the track. But it was small and tiny on the track. I'm sorry. But that's how I think.

The (incredible) version of Domenicali

Published by Leo Turrini Sun, 25/07/2010 - 19:49

Ladies and gentlemen, this never stops. Meanwhile we believe, as you may know, that Ferrari will not appeal against the fine of one hundred thousand U.S. dollars (maybe Botin pays it, eh eh eh) and they are confident that the FIA World Council will assess 'calmly' the events at Hockenheim, ie Alonso's victory.

After that I am happy to blurt out the version of Stefano Domenicali after the GP. The head of the Racing Division was killed by the foreign press. How do you judge, you, his oral performance? Here are the highlights.

1) 'We told Massa by radio that Fernando was faster just to avoid difficult situations that could arise, such as we have experienced by other teams not so long ago'.

2) 'When Rob Smedley said sorry to Massa after Alonso overtook him he intended to apologize for giving him a car that was not fast enough' (this 'sorry' is the most colossal genius competence in sport that I, Leo Turrini, have ever heard in my life. Affectionately, but go to hell, Dom!).

3) 'Today was the anniversary of the accident in Hungary, Felipe. We knew it at the wall. We knew what we had. He has shown that he doesn't give up, he showed he deserved the victory and I am convinced that he will soon feel the joy of victory' (Well, bah, boh !!!!, NDT, note Turrini).

4) 'In the Ferrari, even after today's race, we don't have a number one and number two driver' (and here I frankly advice that Dom immediately hire a consultant because enough is enough, NDT).

5) 'Felipe has the right to fight for the world title. I haven't changed my mind on this and the team supports him in that '(Do not shoot the Red Cross, NDT).

6) 'It's a shame that after Ferrari has had a serie of difficulties and bad luck we should focus on something else than on this episode after the GP' (Ah, indeed: who are you going to blame? Me ? Cola?, NDT)

7) The comparison with Austria 2002? Today we provided limited information to Massa of a situation because they both know that they must ensure the best result for the Scuderia's needs'.

It's a nightmare to go looking for them in other threads so good to know you agree, Red. Hopefully everybody else does too

THANKS WOLFIE FOR THIS TOO!!!!!!!

Who takes the pole in Budapest?
Published by Leo Turrini Tue, 27/07/2010 - 21:15

Comrades, this is the one and only place for guessing who takes the pole in Hungary. I want to remind everyone that in our Questionnaire there are no team orders (Ecclestone said today that he would allow and bless them as he has already explained that he admires Hitler and Saddam). Rhodes is sensationally in the lead and if you want Mazzola to win him you have to stop him by giving him orders through the radio in the simulator.

I also want to ask which one of all today's news is the most fun.

1) Belen admitted using cocaine and the Mayor no longer wants to keep the Sanremo Festival.

2) All these people on TV are assholes!!! I miss Ecclestone imitating Comrad Stalin.

3) Alonso said he considered the victory (so to speak) in Germany to be 'a great thing'.

4) Vettel estimated that things between Alonso and Massa went so far that it will favour Ferrari's rivals in the title race.

5) In 2002 Gazzetta dello Sport thought that the team orders were scandalous. In 2010 they are a good thing. Why has their opinion changed? What has happened during all these years?

Comrades, meditate.

4) Vettel estimated that things between Alonso and Massa went so far that it will favour Ferrari's rivals in the title race.

I think Seb was REALLY enjoying the fact nobody was talking about Red Bull after Germany