Marchionne and Montezemolo at loggerheads

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Ferrari president Sergio Marchionne and former chairman Luca di Montezemolo obviously disagree on the Scuderia's approach to F1's new regulations.

While it's still early days, Marchionne has praised the team's performance this week in Barcelona although he remains guarded over the future, refraining from any bold claims which only set up fans for disappointment.

"We are optimistic," Marchionne is quoted by Italian media.

" I don't know if this machine is able to win the championship. But we will not be ashamed this year, and that is important.

"It's more powerful, for sure. From what I saw yesterday, I'm happy. The forecasts that we did have been fulfilled.

"The behavior of the car on the track is in line with expectations. It is a huge step forward compared to where we were last year."

Luca di Montezemolo, the man who used to preside over Ferrari's destiny says the team's approach this year is not without risk.

"Ferrari made a risky choice," he told Italian radio Rai.

"They want to have a car constructed exclusively by Italian engineers, but in F1 you need the best people in the industry. Excellence is not always in a single country."

Furthermore, another winless year would entice Sebastian Vettel to move to greener pastures, says di Montezemolo.

"He will assess the competitiveness of this car after two or three races. As his contract expires, he will then decide his future.

"Raikkonen? He is not the future of Ferrari," Montezemolo added.

As for the team's performance in pre-season testing so far, the Italian believes it is irrelevant.

"Good lap times are positive, but times that are worth something will only be in Melbourne."

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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.