Ferrari Boss Talks Down Reports Of Political Plans

Luca di Montezemolo has no plans to stand for the Italian presidency in 2013. It seems the closing of a letter to members of his political think-tank, Italia Futura, signed off as "Luca di Montezemolo, Future President of Italy" was just (prancing) horsing around.

He'll be staying instead with Ferrari.

Speaking with Italian paper La Gazzetta dello Sport this week, the Ferrari president said that his letter was interpreted by some as confirmation of a tilt at the top job.

"Going into politics? No, I'm with Ferrari," he said, according to the Gazzetta.

Montezemolo took the opportunity of the media event at Fiorano to announce the launch date of Ferrari's 2012 car - 3 February.

He also addressed rumours about Felipe Massa's future, insisting that while the Brazilian "could continue" beyond 2012, the Maranello based team is "always looking around".

Gazzetta reporter Andrea Cremonesi claimed Ferrari has "approached" drivers including Jenson Button, Nico Rosberg and Mark Webber "in recent months".

(GMM)