Marchionne keeps the pressure on F1 - reiterates quit threat

©Reuters

Ferrari chairman Sergio Marchionne maintained his position on Formula 1's future engine regulations and reiterated yesterday in Italy the company's possible retreat from the sport.

Speaking at Saturday's official presentation of the Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team, Marchionne took nothing back from what he said last month, insisting that Ferrari's thrat to leave F1 was a "serious" one.

"The dialogue has started and will continue to evolve," Marchionne said.

"We have time until 2020 to find a solution which benefits Ferrari. The threat of Ferrari leaving Formula One is serious.

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"The agreement with Sauber expires in 2020-2021, right when Ferrari could leave.

"We have to find a solution which is good for the sport but we also have to be clear on the things we can't back down on."

Marchionne's main bone of contention with the prospective 2021 engine rules is the inclusion of standardised parts as a means of dropping the cost of the sport's future power unit.

The Ferrari boss believes however that F1 engines and their engineering must remain a differentiator, insisting the manufacturer would pull out of F1 rather than "play NASCAR globally".

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.