From GMM
Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo has added weight to recent reports that an American team could soon be a reality in formula one.
In the wake of the USF1 debacle, scepticism accompanied the recent news about a US-based outfit called Cypher Group submitting a "letter of interest" about obtaining the last spot on the 2011 grid.
But a few days later, USF1 backer and YouTube co-founder Chad Hurley's aide Parris Mullins admitted to Autosport that "I would be lying if I said that I haven't been exploring other ways of entry into this sport".
"I am part of a project right now that is trying to enter the sport," he added, admitting that he sees a customer car as a viable initial route.
And Luca di Montezemolo, who has been pushing hard for a rule change to allow three-car team entries, told Italy's La Gazzetta dello Sport: "I dream of a third Ferrari managed by an American team, with the stars and stripes flag."
Luca di Montezemolo has also indicated that Felipe Massa is on the road to having his Ferrari deal extended beyond December.
The 29-year-old Brazilian has driven for the famous team since 2006, alongside highly rated teammates including Michael Schumacher and Kimi Raikkonen.
But so far in 2010, Massa has struggled with the F10 car, while team president Montezemolo told La Gazzetta dello Sport that he is "very happy" with new long-term recruit Fernando Alonso.
Amid rumours Ferrari is considering replacing Massa with Robert Kubica or Mark Webber, Gazzetta correspondent Pino Allievi asked Montezemolo what Massa needs to do in order to keep his seat.
He answered: "Continue as before, with the same spirit, thinking of his interests but also those of the team."
Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo has added weight to recent reports that an American team could soon be a reality in formula one.
In the wake of the USF1 debacle, scepticism accompanied the recent news about a US-based outfit called Cypher Group submitting a "letter of interest" about obtaining the last spot on the 2011 grid.
But a few days later, USF1 backer and YouTube co-founder Chad Hurley's aide Parris Mullins admitted to Autosport that "I would be lying if I said that I haven't been exploring other ways of entry into this sport".
"I am part of a project right now that is trying to enter the sport," he added, admitting that he sees a customer car as a viable initial route.
And Luca di Montezemolo, who has been pushing hard for a rule change to allow three-car team entries, told Italy's La Gazzetta dello Sport: "I dream of a third Ferrari managed by an American team, with the stars and stripes flag."
Luca di Montezemolo has also indicated that Felipe Massa is on the road to having his Ferrari deal extended beyond December.
The 29-year-old Brazilian has driven for the famous team since 2006, alongside highly rated teammates including Michael Schumacher and Kimi Raikkonen.
But so far in 2010, Massa has struggled with the F10 car, while team president Montezemolo told La Gazzetta dello Sport that he is "very happy" with new long-term recruit Fernando Alonso.
Amid rumours Ferrari is considering replacing Massa with Robert Kubica or Mark Webber, Gazzetta correspondent Pino Allievi asked Montezemolo what Massa needs to do in order to keep his seat.
He answered: "Continue as before, with the same spirit, thinking of his interests but also those of the team."