JANUARY 13, 2001

Todt set to open talks with Ferrari

FERRARI sporting director Jean Todt has indicated that he will open talks about his future with Ferrari chief Luca di Montezemolo in the next few weeks and said he has no intention of leaving the team.

Frenchman Todt joined Ferrari in July 1993 and is hugely respected in the Maranello-based team, particularly after their drivers' and manufacturers' championship triumphs last year.

World Champion Michael Schumacher has suggested that his future with the team depends on whether Todt stays at the team. Todt's current contract runs out at the end of this season.

"Before the end of the season, I will make things clear and we will begin talks in the forthcoming weeks," said Todt.

"I enjoy my role at Ferrari and I think Ferrari are satisfied with me. We have a strong team and I would like to stay in Italy... There is not going to be any other team."

Todt, 54, has vast experience in motor sport after starting his driving career in rallying and then moving into team management with Peugeot in the World Rally Championship and World Sports Car Championship before his arrival in Formula One.