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Ferrari's president Luca di Montezemolo has dismissed early criticism of his team's new boss.
Earlier in April 2014, Wheels24 reported that Stefano Domenicali stepped down as Ferrari team boss and was replaced by Ferrari North America chief Marco Mattiacci.
'RESIGNATIONS ARE RARE'
Montezemolo applauded the Domenicali for taking responsibility for the team's poor results and choosing to resign.
Montezemolo said: "Resignations in Italy are rare. Despite having won several world titles in 23 years, Domenicali had the strength to step down because of missed results."
Criticism of Mattiacci's appointment, however, has been swift.
Patrick Tambay, a former Ferrari driver, told France's RMC that Domenicali is obviously a "scapegoat".
International media accused Ferrari of panic, and kneejerk reactions after only the first three grands prix in 2014.
Italy's La Gazzetta dello Sport confirmed that Mattiacci's appointment has been met with "scepticism".
The sports daily advised: "He needs to overcome it and assert himself in his new role."
'WE ARE ALL FERRARI ENGINEERS'
La Gazzetta also pointed out thatMattiacci's inexperience, saying that while he is a marketing specialist, his only motor racing experience is in Grand-Am sports cars.
Montezemolo insisted: "I have decided to focus on a young manager that I believe in a lot. I have heard and read many misplaced comments, for example that Mattiacci is not an engineer. We are all Ferrari engineers.
"I wanted to focus on someone who is part of the Ferrari family, because we are full of people with many qualities and skills."
Montezemolo added that Mattiacci's appointment was done "in full agreement" with Fiat chief Sergio Marchionne. Mattiacci will be introduced to the F1 media on Friday (April 18) ahead of the 2014 Chinese GP in Shanghai.
Montezemolo said: "Now I am expecting a big reaction. We will get back to winning and not allow the new rules to ruin the sport. For us, formula one is life."
Stay with Wheels24 for the 2014 Chinese GP weekend.
Earlier in April 2014, Wheels24 reported that Stefano Domenicali stepped down as Ferrari team boss and was replaced by Ferrari North America chief Marco Mattiacci.
'RESIGNATIONS ARE RARE'
Montezemolo applauded the Domenicali for taking responsibility for the team's poor results and choosing to resign.
Montezemolo said: "Resignations in Italy are rare. Despite having won several world titles in 23 years, Domenicali had the strength to step down because of missed results."
Criticism of Mattiacci's appointment, however, has been swift.
Patrick Tambay, a former Ferrari driver, told France's RMC that Domenicali is obviously a "scapegoat".
International media accused Ferrari of panic, and kneejerk reactions after only the first three grands prix in 2014.
Italy's La Gazzetta dello Sport confirmed that Mattiacci's appointment has been met with "scepticism".
The sports daily advised: "He needs to overcome it and assert himself in his new role."
'WE ARE ALL FERRARI ENGINEERS'
La Gazzetta also pointed out thatMattiacci's inexperience, saying that while he is a marketing specialist, his only motor racing experience is in Grand-Am sports cars.
Montezemolo insisted: "I have decided to focus on a young manager that I believe in a lot. I have heard and read many misplaced comments, for example that Mattiacci is not an engineer. We are all Ferrari engineers.
"I wanted to focus on someone who is part of the Ferrari family, because we are full of people with many qualities and skills."
Montezemolo added that Mattiacci's appointment was done "in full agreement" with Fiat chief Sergio Marchionne. Mattiacci will be introduced to the F1 media on Friday (April 18) ahead of the 2014 Chinese GP in Shanghai.
Montezemolo said: "Now I am expecting a big reaction. We will get back to winning and not allow the new rules to ruin the sport. For us, formula one is life."
Stay with Wheels24 for the 2014 Chinese GP weekend.