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F1: Luca di Montezemolo calls for 2011 rules clarity and denies heads to roll after title loss

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Khatir Soltani
From GMM

The 2011 rules are still not set in stone, leaving Luca di Montezemolo calling for "total clarity" ahead of next season.

Next year, along with the return of KERS and the arrival of Pirelli as F1's tyre supplier, drivers will be able to adjust their rear wing angle when close to a rival in order to boost their chances of overtaking.

But Williams' co-owner and engineering boss Patrick Head warned recently that the latter innovation is "not set in stone".

Ferrari president Montezemolo said at the team's end-of-season event in Valencia: "I hope we start the season with total clarity as regards the regulations. I am not worried about it, but our experience of 2009 still grates," in a reference to the rule loophole that led to the development of so-called 'double diffusers' early last year.

Luca di Montezemolo and Stefano Domenicali have played down reports that heads will roll as a result of Ferrari's championship loss in 2010.

Italian reports had warned chief engineer Chris Dyer was in the spotlight after the bungled race strategy in Abu Dhabi that cost Fernando Alonso the title.

"Changes within the team? That is not our philosophy, because for years now we have adopted a policy based on dynamic stability. A few minor adjustments are possible, but no major upheaval," insisted president Montezemolo at Valencia.

Team boss Domenicali had also been singled out as a potential scapegoat for the 2010 outcome, but Montezemolo said he is "very happy" with the Italian's work.

Stefano Domenicali also told Corriere della Sera that the idea of major staff changes has been ruled out.

"I could have followed the emotional wave after Singapore 2008, when the fuel nozzle was left attached to Massa's car. But that man was one of the protagonists of the winning pitstop at Monza this year," insisted Stefano Domenicali.

Another touted potential ousting prior to the new campaign in 2011 is Felipe Massa, but Luca di Montezemolo said he is "sure" the struggling Brazilian will be back to top form next season.

Felipe Massa has singled out Bridgestone's tyres as the root of his problems this year, and was pleased with his first taste of the 2011 Pirellis in Abu Dhabi recently.

"First impressions are very positive. Sure, there is still work to do, but it was a really good day," he said.


Khatir Soltani
Khatir Soltani
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