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New Ferrari team boss Marco Mattiacci says he is 'extremely motivated' to succeed

Scuderia's mystery man finally removes sunglasses and states that "a new perspective" can help them

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Ferrari's little-known new Team Principal Marco Mattiacci has revealed he initially thought the offer to take over was a belated April Fools' joke - but despite his lack of F1 experience, he has declared he is "extremely motivated" to prove he is the right man for the job.

Despite Ferrari's historical status as F1's most famous and successful team, Mattiacci arrives at Maranello with the marque yearning a return to success having not won a world title for six years and having made a poor start to the sport's new turbo era. He made clear his early weeks at the team would be about taking stock and observing but admitted Montezemolo had already promised to support him in bolstering the team if and when he saw fit. "It's too early for me to make such statements," he said when asked about whether he would make changes. "What I know is I worked in Ferrari since 14 years, I've been in the last four days in Maranello in the Gestione Sportiva. I think we have an amazing group of talented people, we have a history and pedigree that is unique, a pride that is impressive so to talk about restructuring is too early. "Definitely Mr Montezemolo is extremely focused on giving any kind of support to the team and, if needed, to go on the market. But clearly to [only] go in the market if you really believe there is going to be an added value and impact to this team." The final word, however, had to go to the sunglasses. Asked directly why he had been wearing them, the genial Mattiacci replied: "It's a very good question. In particular, if you do in less than four days almost 40 hours of flights and you don't sleep in the last four days probably you need sunglasses!"

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