Ferrari will look completely different next season. Not only has Michael Schumacher retired, also Ross Brawn and Paulo Martinelli. Jean Todt, the new CEO, will also become, as interim job, Managing Director of the Gestione Sportiva. Stefano Domenicali, Sporting Director, and Mario Almondo, Technical Director, will replace Brawn and Martinelli. Here are some comments on the new team structure.

Jean Todt
"To see such an important chapter in the history of Ferrari come to a close has a special effect on me, even though I know that that's life and we have to accept it. These have been extraordinary years on both the professional and human front, with important achievements coming as a result of the values instilled in our family. I thank Ross and Paolo for their unparalleled efforts and I wish them all the best in achieving the objectives they have set themselves in their new lives. As I said, a chapter closes but life at Ferrari moves onward and it is with pride and determination that we will tackle the next challenges, be they in the industry or in sport."

Ross Brawn
"I wish to thank Ferrari for allowing me to be part of a wonderful period in the history of the team. . Everyone knows that Ferrari is a legend but more important are the people who work here. They have demonstrated extraordinary professionalism, loyalty, motivation and passion for their tasks. They are all exceptional human beings. For some time now, we have prepared for this handover and I am pleased to be able to pass on my responsibilities to people whom I am convinced can do an even better job than me. I have great faith in all of them and I am sure they will bring many more successes home to Maranello."

Paolo Martinelli
"I have spent my entire working life with Ferrari, first of all on the Grantursimo cars side, where I worked for sixteen years and then, as of January 1995, at the Gestione Sportiva. Both environments provided exceptional experiences that were fascinating and gratifying. President Montezemolo would often joke about the fact I joined the company when I was still in short trousers, but now I find myself about to take on a third personal challenge in the FIAT Group. I will leave part of my heart at Maranello. These have been unforgettable times as part of a fantastic team made up of people who are exceptional in both professional and personal terms."

Michael Schumacher
"I have to thank Ross Brawn as he has been on hand to help me with all my successes in Formula 1. His strong personality and his natural authority have been of fundamental importance for the team. Ross is able to prepare people for the work they have to do, to help and to stimulate them and to point them in the right direction. In my mind, he will always set the standard. In the last six years of Formula 1, I have only suffered two engine failures and that says all there is to say about the quality of Paolo's work. It is not because of what happened at Suzuka that we have not been able to take the final title win, but in fact, the reliability of the engine has always been at the root of our success. I hold him in great esteem and wish him all the best on his new professional path."

www.f1technical.net

Felipe Massa, winner of last Sunday's Brazilian Formula One Grand Prix, has warned Kimi Raikkonen to expect a battle for the number one driver's spot at Ferrari next season.

Finn Raikkonen will replace seven-time World Champion Michael Schumacher, who retired at the weekend after finishing second to Renault's Fernando Alonso in the drivers' championship.

"Up until now I have helped my team by filling the holes, but things have changed," the 25-year-old Massa told the Gazzetta dello Sport's website on Tuesday. "Next year I don't think I will be obliged to let Kimi pass in front of me. He is a great driver, but he is joining a new team and it will be up to him to win them over. It will be a great battle, but a fair one.
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Massa's victory on Sunday in his home city of Sao Paolo - the first by a Brazilian in their own Grand Prix since the late Ayrton Senna in 1993 - was his second career triumph after winning the Turkey Grand Prix earlier this season.

Raikkonen was runner-up in the drivers' championship in 2003 and 2005, but the 2006 season was a disappointing one for him and his McLaren Mercedes-Benz team. He finished fifth in the drivers' championship while McLaren were third in the constructors' championship.

As earlier announced on f1technical, Michael Schumacher will become Jean Todt's assistant during the 2007 Formula One season. The German will also scout young talented drivers for the Scuderia Ferrari.

Jean Todt
"Michael has always been interested to follow some of the young drivers. Actually, I have one of those young talents here next to me. I remember very well when Michael came to me and talked about Felipe Massa when he was racing in a lower series. He also talked to me about Raikkonen before he entered F1 with Sauber so I believe he has a good eye for young talent. He can become important for Ferrari when it comes to choosing our future drivers."

Michael Schumacher
"I am glad Ferrari will give me this chance to stay involved with the team. The team will give me the freedom of what I will have to do. They don't expect me to be at my desk at any time for example. I believe it is a unique opportunity for me, but I will first need a few months off to clear up my mind and then we'll be getting back to work."